SISTERS ARE A CLASS ACT

Horgan's comedy steals show with IFTA nods

- ESTHER MCCARTHY

HIT comedy Bad Sisters has edged out The Banshees of Inisherin with most nominations at this year's IFTA Film and Drama Awards.

Sharon Horgan's comedy drama about siblings who go to drastic ends to protect one another gets 12 nods while Martin McDonagh's critically-acclaimed film took 11.

Dark period comedy Banshees, beautifully shot on Achill and Inishmore Islands, leads the green charge at this weekend's Oscars.

Irish talent is shortlisted for 14 accolades and is leading the movie contender at the IFTAS.

Bad Sisters' TV sweep includes nominations for Best Drama, Horgan for screenplay and lead actress, as well as stars Eve Hewson, Eva Birthistle, Anne-Marie Duff and Sarah Greene.

The nominees were revealed yesterday as IFTA announced this year's awards celebrating their 20th anniversary - will take place on Sunday, May 7 at Dublin's Royal Convention Centre.

Announcing this year's IFTAS nominees, academy CEO, Aine Moriarty said: "What an exciting time right now for the Irish screen industry.