The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) announced on February 14, 2024, that renowned Irish actor Ciarán Hinds will be honored with the Irish Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to both Irish and international cinema over a career spanning five decades. The award presentation will occur during the 23rd IFTA Awards ceremony, held on February 20 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, where Hinds will be celebrated in front of industry peers, family, and friends.
Hinds, known for his roles in films such as Belfast, has been nominated for an Oscar and has received numerous accolades, including Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. He has also won the IFTA award five times, underscoring his prominence in the film industry. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian and actor Kevin McGahern, adding a lively touch to the event.
In a statement regarding the honor, Hinds expressed his gratitude, 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.”
The IFTA highlighted Hinds’ extensive collaboration with esteemed filmmakers including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kathryn Bigelow, and Paul Thomas Anderson. His impressive filmography features performances alongside distinguished actors such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Liam Neeson, and Nicole Kidman, among others.
Áine Moriarty, CEO of IFTA, praised Hinds for his remarkable talent and dedication to the Irish film industry. She described him as “a modest giant and gentleman of an actor, who has deservedly become one of the most highly-respected and versatile actors of his generation.” She also noted his unwavering support for Irish productions, emphasizing his deep connection to local cinema.
In recent years, notable figures such as Colm Meaney and Stephen Rea have also received the Lifetime Achievement honor from IFTA. Previous recipients include celebrated talents like Judi Dench, Gabriel Byrne, and Jim Sheridan, all of whom have made significant impacts in the film industry.
The upcoming IFTA Awards ceremony promises to be a memorable event, celebrating not only Hinds’ illustrious career but also the rich tapestry of talent within the Irish film and television landscape.
