The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) has announced the Screen Ireland IFTA Rising Star nominees for 2021, with actors Nicola Coughlan, Clare Dunne and Eve Hewson, and directors Cathy Brady and Paddy Slattery on the shortlist.

Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan earned her nomination after playing a key role in the hugely popular Netflix series Bridgerton.

Coughlan was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. Speaking on RTÉ One's Morning Ireland on June 15th, the actress said:

"It's lovely news to wake up to. I mean it's amazing. It means so much to be recognised by the people from home. That's so important. It's a massive honour."

Clare Dunne co-wrote and stars in the inspirational Herself, expected to arrive in Irish cinemas soon.

Eve Hewson was most recently seen in the Netflix thriller Behind Her Eyes, while filmmaker Cathy Brady is the writer-director of the upcoming sibling drama Wildfire.

Paddy Slattery is the writer-director-producer of the acclaimed crime thriller Broken Law, which opened in Irish cinemas last summer and is now available on Netflix.

Previous winners of the Rising Star Award include Jamie Dornan, Michael Fassbender, Aisling Franciosi, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Greene and Saoirse Ronan - who have gone on to achieve international breakthrough success.

All five of this year's Rising Star nominees are also shortlisted in other categories at this year's IFTAs, with Normal People leading this year's shortlist with 15 nominations. RTÉ drama Smother received 11 nominations while Dead Still was honoured with six.

Amazon Prime comedy Dating Amber received eight nominations in the film categories, including Best Film and Best Actor for Fionn O'Shea; and Herself received six, including both Best Actress for Clare Dunne and Best Script for Clare Dunne and her co-writer, Malcolm Campbell.

The virtual IFTA awards will air this Sunday on Virgin Media One at 10:00pm.