Irish actress, writer and creator Clare Dunne was named a Shooting Star in an article released by the European Film Promotion (EFP) this morning.

Dunne, known for her roles in Kin, Herself and Annie+ received Best Actress nominations from the Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards, The British Independent Film Awards and the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) in 2021. She won the Best Script for a Film IFTA after co-writing Herself alongside Malcolm Campbell.

"Huge star potential," read the statement by the EFP, recognising Dunne's performance in Annie+ - which she co-created with Hanna van Vliet - as "full of life and outstandingly sympathetic, imbued with a strong sense of precision, sensitivity and authenticity."

Dunne was delighted with the news, thanking Screen Ireland on social media today. "Can't wait to meet these talented folk in Berlin!" the actress wrote on her Instagram story, referencing her fellow recipients.

Thank you @ScreenIreland for selecting me. This is such a thrill and an honour. 🙏🥰 https://t.co/hWgImKoGZa

— Clare Dunne (@ClareEmmadunne) January 13, 2022

In addition to Dunne, nine other talented creatives from across Europe have been named; incuding Gracija Filipović of Croatia, Marie Reuther of Denmark, Anamaria Vartolomei of France and Emilio Sakraya from Germany. The awards ceremony will take place at the Berlinale Palast in Berlin on February 22.

Comprised of five international film and television experts, the EFP jury selects Shooting Stars based on their previous projects and performance, recognising their prospective careers in the international industry. They have been acknowledging young actors for over 20 years.

Previous recipients of the award include Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan, as well as IFTA winners Fionn O'Shea (Normal People, Dating Amber), Aisling Franciosi, Domhnall Gleeson and BAFTA winner Andrew Scott.

Revisit Hot Press' September 2021 interview with Clare Dunne here.

#europeanshootingstar 2022!
Clare Dunne ✨@LisaRichardsLtd @ScreenIreland @europe_creative @BundesKultur @berlinale @medienboard @SpotlightUK @filmedienrw pic.twitter.com/gFtQGuuAN6

— EFP (European Film Promotion) (@EFP_on_tour) January 13, 2022