The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) have announced that Irish actor Simon Delaney (This Must Be The Place, Father & Son) will return to host the 9th Annual Irish Film & Television Awards for the second successive year. The gala Irish Awards Ceremony takes place this year in the Convention Centre Dublin on Saturday 11th February and will be broadcast on RTÉ One from 9.30pm GMT.
Commenting on hosting the Awards for second year Simon said, "I am so proud to be hosting the IFTAs again this year. There’s a lot to be proud of in the Irish film and television industry and what’s being achieved, and I think that’s what makes the IFTA night so special. We are all working to promote our business internationally and the IFTAs are our international calling card, we can stand behind this event and say, ‘look at this room, look who we have here, this is our creative industry - this is Ireland!
With Irish Film & Television Academy voting closing yesterday afternoon, anticipation is already mounting for the 2012 Awards. Delaney says “People are already asking me what have you got up your sleeve for this year? We raised the bar last year with such a different show so expectations are now even higher for the IFTAs in February - so, no pressure! All I can tell you is that IFTA 2012 will be something very special!"
Áine Moriarty, Chief Executive of the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) welcomed Simon back to the Awards team by saying, “Simon was a terrific host last year as he is so well-loved by his peers and the public alike. He’s great to work with, such a professional and good fun too - so we’re delighted to ask him back. He’s had a busy year working on projects both in Ireland and the US and he’s always a proud supporter of the work produced by his fellow Irish actors and filmmakers. No doubt Simon will lead the way on the night with his impeccable charm, wit and mischievous, entertaining sparkle - we’re looking forward to it.”
The nominees for the Irish Film & Television Awards will be announced on Tuesday 10th of January 2012.
Simon Delaney’s credits include ‘Bachelor’s Walk’, ‘Zonad’ and ‘This Must be The Place’- which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. The actor, who has previously been nominated for four IFTAs, will appear this month on Irish television in a guest role on US drama ‘The Good Wife’ opposite Juliana Margulies and Eddie Izzard which screened to an audience of over 21 million in the US in 2011. He is also lined up to feature in Chris O’Dowd’s ‘Moone Boy’.
The Irish Film & Television Awards is sponsored by Irish Film Board; RTÉ, IFTN, Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Philips, RTÉ Guide and has Partners MAC, CityJet, BMW, Moet & Chandon, Walt Disney Studios (Ireland).
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