Legendary actor Stephen Rea to be given Lifetime Achievement Award

Stephen Rea is set to be honoured at this year's Irish Film & Television Academy Awards (IFTAs) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The legendary actor who starred in iconic films such as The Crying Game, for which he received an Oscar nomination, and Michael Collins will be presented with the award for his outstanding contribution to Irish and international cinema throughout his career for an incredible five decades.

Commenting on the announcement, Rea said,

"So much of Irish culture has been recovered and reimagined. Music, language, literature, theatre. And, cinema can be added to that list because of the special energy of John Boorman who produced Neil Jordan's first film Angel, and to my astonishment, my first film too.

"Neil thrust the script and a saxophone into my hands and suddenly I was in the movies. Well, one really original movie, which was at the beginning of a new confidence in Irish cinema.

"And now many films later, IFTA have, equally surprisingly, offered me a Lifetime Achievement Award. A lifetime of collaboration with the most generous and creative artists you could ever work with. And hang out with. Thanks to all of them. Thanks you IFTA."

The IFTAs will take place on Saturday, April 20, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre and will be hosted by Baz Ashmawy.