The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) announced on Wednesday that renowned Irish actor Ciarán Hinds will receive the prestigious Irish Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. This honor acknowledges his remarkable contributions to both Irish and international cinema over a prolific career spanning five decades. Hinds will be celebrated at the 23rd IFTA Awards ceremony, scheduled for February 20, 2024, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, where he will be joined by industry colleagues, family, and friends.
The event will be hosted by comedian and actor Kevin McGahern. Hinds, an Oscar nominee known for his role in Belfast, has also received nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, along with five IFTA awards throughout his illustrious career.
In a statement, IFTA highlighted Hinds’ extensive collaborations with acclaimed directors such as Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kathryn Bigelow, and Kenneth Branagh. He has shared the screen with a variety of esteemed actors, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Liam Neeson, Cate Blanchett, and Julia Roberts, showcasing his versatility and depth as a performer.
Hinds expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am deeply grateful to IFTA for this recognition – their support for the cinematic and televisual arts over the past twenty years and more has been immense and I am truly honored to receive it.”
Recognizing Hinds’ impact on the Irish film industry, IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty praised him as “a modest giant and gentleman of an actor.” She noted his exceptional talent and his steadfast support for homegrown Irish productions. “He commands the screen with his presence and is a performer of extraordinary depth, warmth, and dignity,” Moriarty added.
In recent years, other notable figures such as Colm Meaney and Stephen Rea have also received the IFTA Lifetime Achievement honor. Past recipients include celebrated names like Judi Dench, Gabriel Byrne, and Jim Sheridan, solidifying IFTA’s commitment to recognizing excellence in the film and television industries.
As preparations for the award ceremony continue, anticipation builds for a night that promises to honor a true icon of cinema. Hinds’ legacy and influence on the screen will undoubtedly be celebrated by his peers and fans alike during this significant event.
