Mullingar actor nominated for three IFTAs

(Above) Niamh Algar.

Actor Niamh Algar has been nominated for three  Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Awards, Ireland's most prestigious film and TV awards.

The Mullingar native has been nominated in the Actress in a Supporting Role Film category for her performance in Calm With Horses, which was released to widespread acclaim earlier this year, in the Actress in a Lead Role Drama category for her performance in the Channel Four series The Virtues and in the Actress in a Supporting Role Drama for Pure, another Channel Four drama.

In a Tweet posted yesterday, Niamh said that she was “absolutely blown away” to receive three nominations.

“Thank you IFTA for the nominations. So grateful to be included amongst the wealth of artistic talent this incredible country produces.”

In the past two years Algar has established herself as one of the leading Irish actors of her generation thanks to a string well received TV and film performances. In the process she has worked with some of the leading TV and film writers and directors in the world, including Shane Meadows and Ridley Scott.

IFTA is currently finalising plans for a bespoke virtual 2020 Awards Ceremony scheduled for September with full details to be announced shortly.  The Academy has also confirmed that due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no physical IFTA Awards Ceremony until April 2021, in keeping with best international practice across Awards ceremonies worldwide.

IFTA Chief Executive, Áine Moriarty stated that: “This year’s Nominations showcase to the world what Ireland’s small but excellent film and television community has to offer.  Our industry is delivering world-class standards and the Irish Academy is proud to showcase and acknowledge their achievements.  These past few months have been difficult for so many, and we look forward to a time when Irish productions can resume and continue to bring powerful engaging stories to the screen.”