Myrid Carten Garners Second IFTA Nomination, Celebrated as Rising Star

Donegal-based filmmaker Myrid Carten is experiencing a surge of recognition as the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Awards approach on February 20th. Carten has received her second IFTA nomination this year, adding a Rising Star Award nod to her earlier nomination for Best Director.

A Want in Her and Rising Star Recognition

Carten’s nomination for Best Director stems from her deeply personal documentary, A Want in Her, released in cinemas last October. The film offers a raw and honest portrayal of her relationship with her mother and explores the universal question of maintaining identity while supporting loved ones.

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, highlights Irish professionals who have demonstrated exceptional skill in the early stages of their careers. Carten joins fellow nominees Carolyn Bracken (Horseshoe, Oddity), Brendan Canty (Christy, Gealtra) and Louisa Harland (The Walsh Sisters, Derry Girls) in the category.

A Prestigious Lineage of Winners

The Rising Star Award has previously recognized numerous now-prominent figures in Irish and international cinema, including Saoirse Ronan, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Dornan, Nicola Coughlan, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Boyle, Siobhán Cullen, and Sarah Greene.

Carten’s Background and Artistic Journey

Originally from the Donegal Gaeltacht, Myrid Carten received training in Artists’ Film at Goldsmiths University London and Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, UAL. She was awarded the Arts Council of Ireland’s Next Generation Artist Award in 2018-19. Her work has been showcased internationally, with support from organizations including the BFI, Doc Society, Screen Ireland, NI Screen, New Dawn Fund, and the Netherlands Film Fund.

A Want in Her has already garnered significant acclaim, including a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut and three British Independent Film Awards, including a nomination for Debut Director.

IFTA Awards Ceremony Details

The 2026 IFTA Awards Ceremony will be held on February 20th at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, hosted by Kevin McGahern. Ciarán Hinds will be honored with IFTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.