UNVEILED...STARS UP FOR IFTA AWARDS

FROM Saipan to Shakespeare, Ireland's stars of the screen are getting set to do battle on the home red carpet.

- BY CATHAL RYAN

With lots of Irish talent lighting up the international awards season, yesterday it was the turn of the IFTAs to nominate the best of Irish for the last year.

Stars such as Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal lead the roll call of honour as they await the Oscar shortlists due to be announced tomorrow.

The Irish Film and Television Academy unveiled nominations honouring exceptional achievements in film and drama across 29 categories.

The Lead Actor in Film category showcases superb Irish talent, with last year's Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (Steve), Colin Farrell (Ballad of a Small Player), Daniel Day-Lewis (Anemone), Daniel Power (Christy) and the stars of Saipan, Eanna Hardwicke and Steve Coogan all in the running.

The Lead Actress in Film nominees are equally impressive, featuring Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Carrie Crowley (Aontas), Carolyn Bracken (Horseshoe), Fionnula Flanagan (Four Mothers), Fiona Shaw (Hot Milk) and Eleanor O’Brien (Baite).