The Irish Film Board and the Irish Film & Television Academy have unveiled the Rising Star Award nominees for 2017.

Selected by a special jury, the Rising Star Award puts an international spotlight on Irish creative professionals who have not only honed their crafts - but who have also excelled in their respective fields.

The 4 Rising Star Nominees are:

Seána Kerslake

The young actress has delivered on the promise shown in her IFTA nominated debut ‘Dollhouse’, in two standout performances this year in Darren Thornton’s ‘A Date for Mad Mary’, and Cathy Brady’s ‘Can’t Cope Won’t Cope’ (written by Stefanie Preissner).

Patrick Gibson

For his brilliant performance in Kit Ryan’s ‘Property of the State’ as the troubled killer Brendan O’Donnell, and his many international projects, including Netflix’s The OA, and just announced, Fox’s ‘The Darkest Minds’.

Barry Keoghan

This actor is always mesmerising on screen, from Wayne in Love/Hate, to his IFTA nominated lead role in Rebecca Daly’s ‘Mammal’ last year. He is set to have a busy 2017, including Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (Yorgos Lanthimos).

Peter Foott

The writer/director/producer whose feature debut ‘The Young Offenders’ broke Irish box office records on its release.