Competition for the prestigious awards was stiff but they have been handed out to the worthiest of winners.
Beating the favorite Sing Street to the post is Paddy Breathnach's Viva which is now the proud owner of the AUDI-ence Award. Played at the closing gala, Viva is set in the back-streets of Havana. Dublin director Paddy Breathnach offers a tender tale of 18 year old Jesus whose dream it is to become a drag queen. In aspiration of this, he turns to the club owner Mama who lives up to his name and helps Jesus fulfill his ambition. Jesus soon becomes a crowd pleaser and flourishes in his new-found identity. That is until, his father is released from prison after 15 years and banishes Jesus from ever performing again.

The ADIFF Discovery Award aims to establish emerging talent and innovation in Irish film making. With such a spectrum of flair and expertise in this years festival guide, the judging panel certainly had some serious negotiations and deliberations to plough through. That judging panel consisted of Casting Director Margery Simkin, Head of Distribution at Element Films Audrey Shiels, Director and Manager of Teach Solais Jason Foran and Director Ken Wardrop. Their chosen winners? Actor Barry Keoghan (Mammal), director/animator Jack O'Shea (Eat The Danger) and My Name is Emily's producer, Kathryn Kennedy.
Geist took home the award for Short Film Award whilst The Bathtub was named Best International Short. Speaking of the tough decision, actor and panelist Killian Scott praised the 'overall quality' in the shorts category; "The international category brought us deeply moving and also hilarious tales from around the world. The winner here is a unique story that combines both qualities and reminds us of the power of simplicity in execution. On the Irish side of things, it is only right that our industry is currently looking towards Oscar glory tonight, however if the short films under review this year are anything to go by, there will be plenty more of that to come. The winner here is simply stunning. Congratulations to all."
Murder She Wrote star Angela Lansbury was honored with the Volta award for her contribution to the industry, as was Italian film actress Claudia Cardinale.
Between ADIFF awards, Oscar Wilde Awards and Academy Awards, may this movement in Irish film long continue!