One of the movies received no less than TEN nominations!
We're reaching the end of the year, and while 2020's movie schedule was less stacked than usual, that doesn't mean that Irish films haven't still been providing the goods.
The British Independent Film Awards announced their nominations, and two Irish movies have been nominated in some major categories, with the winners to be named in February 2021.
First up is Calm With Horses, which was released in Irish cinemas about 45 seconds before the restrictions locked them all down towards the beginning of the year. The dark drama received still received some amazing reviews, and is actually
available to watch on Netflix right now.
The movie was produced by Film4, which is why it can be nominated for Best British Independent Film, but it was distributed by Irish company Element Pictures and the events took place entirely in Ireland.
The movie was also nominated for Best Casting (Shaheen Baig), Most Promising Newcomer (Niamh Algar), Breakthrough Producer (Dan Emmerson), Debut Screenwriter (Joe Murtagh), Debut Director (Nick Rowland), Best Supporting Actress (Niamh Algar), Best Supporting Actor (Barry Keoghan), Best Actor (Cosmo Jarvis), and Best Director (Nick Rowland).
Reacting to the nominations, director Nick Rowland had the following to say:
"It’s such a dream come true to see CWH recognised by the BIFA voters. It’s a testament to the amazing work done by the entire cast and crew, and I am so excited to celebrate this with them all, in some kind of responsible and socially distanced fashion! It feels so special to be following in the footsteps of my filmmaking heroes, and it means even more to see so many of my good friends nominated alongside us too. You would never know 2020 has been a tough year for
cinema, with so many amazing films being recognised today. It’s an honour to be in their company."
Meanwhile, another Irish movie received a major award, with powerful Dublin-set drama Herself being nominated for Best Actress for lead performer (and co-writer) Clare Dunne.
Dunne also responded to the news of the nomination:
"I can’t express how thrilled and honoured I am to be nominated by BIFA for best actress. Such incredible films and artists get included every year and I cannot believe I’ve been chosen to be amongst this incredible group of artists. So grateful to BIFA for this. Thank you to my family and friends and partner Jack for supporting me all the way! Many more thanks to Sharon Horgan, Clelia Mountford, Malcolm Campbell, Ed Guiney, Rory Gilmartin, Andrew Lowe, Rose Garnett and all the team in Merman, Element Pictures, BBC, BFI and Screen Ireland who made this film happen .... especially Phyllida Lloyd, who encouraged me to play Sandra - an incredible director of this whole cast. It’s mostly her I owe!"
Herself was due for Irish cinematic release in October, but is currently scheduled to arrive in Irish cinemas sometime in 2021. You can check out the trailer right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9C4JQHdp6g
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