The virtual awards ceremony will be presented by some of the biggest names in Irish film and TV.
Martin Scorsese obviously has a lot of love for Ireland, since the Irish have been so heavily featured in so many of his biggest movies (Gangs Of New York, The Departed, The Irishman), so it is great to see the Irish Film and Television Awards get the iconic director on board for this year's ceremony, as he is set to present the award for Best Irish Film.
Obviously the ceremony itself will take on a very different set-up this year, with Deirdre O'Kane hosting the virtual event, which will be centred around a unique studio setting, engaging with the winners as they're told live on screen that they've won their awards.
Scorsese won't be the only big name on the night taking on presenter duties, with Liam Neeson, Ruth Negga, Pierce Brosnan, Chris O’Dowd, Caitriona Balfe, Normal People stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones, Star Wars star Daisy Ridley, and President Michael D. Higgins all among the star-studded line-up.
A Bump Along the Way, Arracht, Calm with Horses, Extra Ordinary, Ordinary Love, Black '47, Float Like a Butterfly, Rosie, The Dig, and The Hole in the Ground will all be looking to take home Best Film on the night, while Best Irish TV Drama will be decided between Blood, Death and Nightingales, Dublin Murders, and Vikings.
IFTA Chief Executive Áine Moriarty said of the awards show: "We are thrilled to bring this amazing group of talented people onto the show virtually from around the world, to celebrate with our 2020 IFTA nominees. It’s been a difficult year, but it’s so important to acknowledge these achievements and to showcase Ireland’s vibrant filmmaking community and the brilliant work they are delivering to audiences around the world."
The 2020 IFTAs will be broadcast on Virgin Media One at 10pm on Sunday, October 18.
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