IFTAs to return with a virtual ceremony and guest presenter Martin Scorsese

Organisers of the once annual event confirmed that the 2020 Irish Film and Television Awards will be broadcast from a studio setting on Sunday, October 18.

Presented by Deirdre O' Kane, the ceremony will go out live at 10pm and “a stellar line-up of A list stars” is promised, including renowned Hollywood director Scorsese who will present the Best Irish Film award on the night.

He will be joined on the show by other Irish TV and movie stars including Liam Neeson, Ruth Negga, Pierce Brosnan, Chris O’Dowd and Caitriona Balfe.

Normal People stars, Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones, will also reunite on screen for the occasion, with a special message and to help showcase this year’s Irish nominees.

On hand too will be the cast of Derry Girls, along with Star Wars' leading lady Daisy Ridley.

President Michael D Higgins will also give a special presentation for the Academy and the nominees on the night.

IFTA Chief Executive, Áine Moriarty said: “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.

This year’s IFTAs will see nominations from both 2019 and 2020 productions, after no ceremony was held last year.

The ceremony will be broken down into 25 categories in Film and Drama, celebrating Irish creative talent working at home and abroad.

For the full list of winners log on to https://www.ifta.ie/awards/nominees_2020/.