Republic's Film Industry Boosted

The Celtic film industry has received international acclaim this month with a total of eight Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

They were given to 11 separate members of the Irish film industry - more good news on foot of the announcement that the Irish film Ondine, directed by Neil Jordan was recently selected to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The award nominations announced include nominations for Irish actors Gabriel Byrne and Brendan Gleeson in the Best Actor categories.

The award-winning actor Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter, In Bruges) has also received his first Emmy nomination for his performance as Winston Churchill in Into the Storm in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries Or A Movie category.

In Treatment star Gabriel Byrne (Jindabyne, Vanity Fair) has received a nomination for the second year running and picked up a Golden Globe award last year for his performance in the series.

The Tudors, which has filmed on location in Ireland for the last three years and is currently filming the fourth series on location in Ardmore Studios, received five nominations.

Those nominated include Production Designer Tom Conroy, multi Emmy winner Costume Designer Joan Bergin and Wardrobe Supervisor Susan O'Connor Cave for Costume Design, casting directors Frank and Nuala Moiselle and Head Hairstylist Dee Corcoran.

Teresa McGrane, Deputy Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann said: "The international recognition that the Irish film industry has received this week is testament to the high levels of talent working currently in the Irish film industry. Irish directors, actors, writers and film crew are a great asset to Ireland, and these nominations and festival selections will ensure that we retain our international reputation for creativity and innovation."

The winners of the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on Sunday, September 20, with the Creative Arts Emmys held the week before on September 12.

(BMcc/JM)