Legendary Irish actor Stephen Rea will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the upcoming 21st Anniversary IFTA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 20.
The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) has announced that Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea will be honored with the Irish Academy Award for his Lifetime Achievement and for his outstanding contribution to the Irish and international screen industry.
Rea will be presented with the award in the presence of family, friends, and industry colleagues at the awards ceremony, which will be hosted by Emmy and IFTA-winning broadcaster Baz Ashmawy at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
Legendary Actor and Oscar Nominee Stephen Rea will be honoured with the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 21st Anniversary Irish Academy Awards (IFTAs) on Sat April 20th, hosted for the first time by Emmy-winning @bazashmawy
Read more: https://t.co/92EhHiyQTN pic.twitter.com/b8DAVgenhV
— Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) (@IFTA) March 6, 2024
Rea has amassed an incredibly diverse body of work spanning five decades and is known for his collaborations with director Neil Jordan in a number of iconic films, including "The Crying Game" and "Michael Collins."
He's also worked with renowned filmmakers such as Mike Leigh and Robert Altman, and with acclaimed actors such as Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Cillian Murphy, Maggie Smith, Robert Downey Jr, and more.
“So much of Irish culture has been recovered and reimagined. Music, language, literature, theatre," said Rea, responding to the announcement.
"And cinema can be added to that list because of the special energy of John Boorman who produced Neil Jordan’s first film 'Angel'. And to my astonishment, my first film too. Neil thrust the script and a saxophone into my hands and suddenly I was in the movies. Well, one really original movie, which was at the beginning of a new confidence in Irish cinema.
"And now many films later, IFTA have, equally surprisingly, offered me a Lifetime Achievement Award. A lifetime of collaboration with the most generous and creative artists you could ever work with. And hang out with. Thanks to all of them. Thank you IFTA.”
Rea’s unique star power was recognized with an Oscar nomination in 1992 for his stunning leading role in "The Crying Game," as morally conflicted IRA kidnapper Fergus who becomes embroiled in a complex romance in Troubles-era London.
He has won three IFTAs, with nine overall nominations. In addition to his Oscar nomination in 1992, he has received three BAFTA nominations and won a BAFTA in 2015.
Rea has appeared in big-screen and small-screen blockbusters like "V For Vendetta" and "War & Peace," as well as roles in award-winning TV series such as "The English" and "The Honourable Woman."
His enduring passion and commitment to theatre has remained steadfast, having collaborated in the early years with Brian Friel and starred this year in a Dublin production of Beckett’s "Krapp’s Last Tape."
Acknowledging Rea’s extraordinary contributions to the Irish screen industry, IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty said: "As a pioneer of his craft, Stephen's profound contribution to our industry has left an indelible mark. He brings such an intelligent and intuitive approach to his craft and his performances, with authentic depth and honesty, and a uniquely Irish stoicism.
"He has become one of Ireland’s most respected and beloved actors. His commitment to the craft and to our community has made him an integral part of our cinematic history and the legacy of Irish film, theatre and television. We in the Irish Academy are honoured to recognize his achievements with this special award.”
The 2024 IFTA Nominations will be announced on Thursday, March 14 by the Academy, with Deloitte acting as official vote scrutineer. A full list of presenters and international guests for the ceremony will be announced in April.
The awards come at a time of enormous success for the Irish screen industry, following last year’s multiple Oscar nominations and global success for Irish talent, including Irish language film "An Cailín Ciúin," and this year’s continued success for Irish stars across the international awards season, including Cillian Murphy's history-making win of the Best Actor Oscar.
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