THE Irish Film and Television Academy Awards took place last night, with a good representation of Northern Irish actors among the nominees, underlining how central performers from the north have become to contemporary Irish storytelling.

Belfast actor Anthony Boyle was nominated for lead actor in a drama for his role in House of Guinness, while west Belfast’s Lola Petticrew was shortlisted for lead actress in a drama for Trespasses. Martin McCann and Katherine Devlin were also recognised for their performances in Blue Lights, the BBC police drama set in Belfast.

None of this is accidental. In recent years, actors, writers and directors from Northern Ireland have been at the centre of some of the most critically acclaimed film and television productions.

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