Being a recipient of the IFTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award “means a great deal” for Stephen Rae.

The actor of ‘The Crying Game’ and ‘Michael Collins’ fame will receive the award at a ceremony in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Saturday, April 20th.

Originally from Belfast, Mr Rae has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe – while scooping two BAFTA’s and three IFTA’s throughout his 60-year career.

Stephen Rae alongside Forest Whitaker in The Crying Game, 1992. Image: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

On Newstalk Breakfast today, he said the Lifetime Achievement Award “means a great deal” to him.

“When you begin a career, you don’t ever think it’s going to come to this,” he said.

“First of all, you don’t think you're ever going to be that old or that people will have noticed you enough to think that you're worthy of such a thing - I find it very nice.

“The IFTA people are tremendous people; they’re passionate about film, and they’re more interested in film than money which is great.”

Highlight

Mr Rae said it was difficult to choose a career highlight – but one film stood above the rest.

“I think 'The Crying Game' is a wonderful film, it’s had a tremendous impact and it's one of the most brilliant pieces of work that Neil [Jordan] has ever produced,” he said.

“I would have to say that [is my highlight].

"I love hearing from Neil if he’s got something to do; he trusts me and I think we’ve done some great films together.”

Stephen Rae in Breakfast on Pluto: Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

The Belfast actor said fame “holds no interest” to him.

“I’m quite interested in people who are interested in my work but I’m not interested in people who would like to know about my ghastly life,” he said.

New talent

Mr Rae said it was an exciting time for Irish actors who “deserve” all the plaudits they are receiving internationally.

“Actors work very hard and are very conscious of the gift that’s been given to them.

“These people and Cillian Murphy, who I have worked with and is a delightful man, deserve whatever they get.

“Everybody is a recipient of other people’s work, that’s the nature of this industry.”

Last year's IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bryan Murphy, a veteran actor known for roles in 'Fair City', 'The Irish R.M' and 'Strumpet City'.

Main image: Stephen Rae. Credit: Hubert Boesl/dpa/Alamy Live News