Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan pips Offaly director to 'Rising Star' IFTA

Offaly director Paddy Slattery was one of five nominees for the prestigious 'Rising Star' award at the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) ceremony on Sunday night.

Paddy, whose debut feature film Broken Law was released last year, said he was left speechless when initially told he had been nominated for the honour.

Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan was the winner of the award at the virtual event which was broadcast on Virgin Media television.

Star Wars icon Mark Hamill was the presenter for the 'Rising Star' category. "This award shines a light on superb Irish talent proving themselves to be world class professionals in their fields," he said.

Paddy, a native of Clonbullogue, where he still resides, saw Broken Law released in cinemas at the end of July last, and it was then made available on Netflix after Christmas.

In addition to Paddy's 'Rising Star' nomination, Broken Law was nominated for IFTAs in the Best Film, Best Director, Best Script, Best Lead Actor (Tristan Heanue) and Best Supporting Actor (Ally Ní Chiaráin) categories.

Paddy is currently working on a script for his second feature film, with the working title of Reverse. He has described it as "the most personal story I will ever tell" and is hopeful that filming on it could begin in late 2022 or early 2023.