Michael Gambon Misses IFTA Awards, David Heyman and Ciaran Hinds Present

Many familiar faces gathered at Dublin’s Mansion House for the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards Saturday evening, but one was notably missing. Michael Gambon was set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, but was unable to attend after being hospitalized earlier in the week.

The Irish Mirror shared the IFTAs statement on the disappointing turn of events. It said:

“[Michael Gambon] has now been discharged, however, medical advice is that he is not well enough to travel to Dublin to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award at the IFTA Award Ceremony this weekend.”

“Michael had been determined to come to Dublin to receive his IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award…Naturally, he is devastated not to be able to travel to be part of the Awards Ceremony.”

However, Gambon will still be duly recognized as the IFTA went on to announce:

“The Irish Film and Television Academy has confirmed to Michael that he will receive his Lifetime Achievement Award at a special event to be held in his honor later this year.”

Gambon is most well known to Potter fans for taking over the role of Albus Dumbledore after Richard Harris passed away following the filming of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Gambon went on to play the headmaster of Hogwarts in the remaining six films. His take on the character was not without controversy, as some felt he was more heavy-handed and brash than the Dumbledore of JK Rowling’s invention but, that being said, he brought a conviction and depth to the part that’s undeniable. For many, he grew into the role and truly became Albus, earning an iconic place in the fandom.

Long before donning those ethereal wizarding robes, he worked steadily in both television and film, cultivating a career that has now spanned over five decades. From Shakespeare to television series to films including Sleepy Hollow, Gosford Park, The Omen, The Good Shepherd, Brideshead Revisited, and The King’s Speech, Gambon has amassed a remarkably impressive body of work–and continues to be active in the industry!

He can currently be seen in Mad to Be Normal with Harry Potter alum David Tennant and in the recently-released Viceroy’s House. Clearly, Gambon has proved himself well-deserving of the IFTA honor, and we’re pleased he will be recognized after missing the event. His contributions to film and television have made Ireland and the Potter fandom proud!

But make no mistake, Gambon is not the only Irishman and former member of the Potter cast to achieve success and recognition. The Irish Examiner reported that his onscreen brother, Aberforth, played by the wonderful Ciaran Hinds, presented at the event.

Hinds went on to become known as Mance Rayder in the hit series, Game of Thrones, and will soon be seen as Steppenwolf in Justice League, also starring Fantastic Beasts standout Ezra Miller. Nothing has been released regarding Hinds’ story arc in the film, but Imdb.com lists the following biography of the character:

“General Steppenwolf is a supervillain. He is Darkseid’s uncle, and he helps his nephew take over the universe. He leads the military of Apokolips and also rides a hover bike which may be at the same level of technology as Orion’s. He has recently been seen fighting the Justice League. He is an enemy of Superman.”

It will be interesting to see how large a part Hinds plays in the Warner Bros. and DC Comics superhero action adventure!

In other IFTA news, Ezra Miller’s other co-star, Colin Farrell, was nominated for his role as the mysterious Percival Graves in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Irish Mirror does not list him among the winners, but we’re proud of the nomination and for the stellar work he brought to the film.

The Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter series were further represented by producer David Heyman, who also presented at the event.

David Heyman introduces the Best Drama Nominees, commending the strength of Irish storytelling pic.twitter.com/SWhcNxNan7

— Irish FilmTV Academy (@IFTA) April 8, 2017

He handed the Best Drama award to the worthy Vikings, which you can see for yourself when the ceremony airs on RTÉ One, Tuesday, April 11 at 10:15pm. Tune in for a glimpse of Heyman and Hinds, and join us in wishing Michael Gambon a full recovery to good health!