Lisa Barros D'sa, Glenn Leybourn Nominated for Irish Rising Star Award 2013

LONDON – Lisa Barros D'sa and Glenn Leybourn, the directors of Good Vibrations, are among the nominees for the Rising Star Award to be handed out during the Irish Film and Television Academy awards.

our editor recommends

Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Sets Up IFTA London

'Seven Psychopaths' Scores Multiple Irish Film and TV Academy Award Nominations

Karlovy Vary 2012: Fest Kicks Off With Terri Hooley Biopic 'Good Vibrations'

The duo are up against Pilgrim Hill writer-director-editor-producer Gerard Barrett, Citadel director Ciaran Foy and actor Jack Reynor for his turn in What Richard Did.

The Irish Film Board and the Irish Film and Television Academy selected the nominees, with the winner due to be unveiled during this year's awards ceremony on Feb. 9.

Selected by a special jury and sponsored by the Irish Film Board, the Rising Star Award is a unique IFTA Award in that it aims to highlight exceptional new and breakthrough talent working in all areas of the Irish film industry.

Previous Rising Star award recipients include 2012 winner writer/director John Michael McDonagh who was honored for his work on The Guard. Domhnall Gleeson was awarded one for his work on When Harvey Met Bob and Sensation in 2011.

Other winners include writer/director Tomm Moore for the Oscar nominated feature animation film The Secret of Kells in 2010, Shame and Hunger actor Michael Fassbender in 2009, and Saoirse Ronan in 2008 for her breakthrough performance in Atonement.

Irish Film Board CEO James Hickey said: "The growth of the Irish film industry is dependent on new talent coming through every year. Developing and creating opportunities for Irish talent both in front of and behind the camera is one of the primary functions of the Irish Film Board and the IFTA Rising Star award is an important opportunity to highlight up and coming Irish actors, directors and writers who have accomplished great work this year."

Aine Moriarty, CEO of the Irish Film and Television Academy said: "This important Award puts the spotlight on great Irish talent making a significant mark in the film industry at large. These four exciting Irish stars have shown themselves to be world class talents in their respective fields and I have no doubt that they will be counted among the wealth of leading Irish talents over the coming years."