This year's IFTAs will have one of Ireland's leading lights - Liam Neeson - receiving a special award for his work to the Irish film industry.

The 63-year old Ballymena native will be flying in to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at the 2016 IFTAs, which will be presented by President Michael D. Higgins. This year's ceremony takes place on Saturday, April 9th at the Mansion House, Dublin and will see the great and good of the Irish film industry on the red carpet.

Deirdre O'Kane will be on MC duties for the night with a total of 29 categories to be contested. The highlights on the night will be broadcast on TV3 on Sunday, April 10th at 9PM.