Boyle’s Next Chapter: From Guinness to Grooves?
Belfast-born actor Anthony Boyle is already setting his sights on his next major historical portrayal, fresh off a significant win at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs). Boyle scooped the coveted award for Best Lead Actor – Drama for his compelling performance as Arthur Guinness in the critically lauded series, House of Guinness. The drama delves into the fascinating family saga that unfolded following the death of Benjamin Guinness, with Boyle’s portrayal of the iconic brewer earning him widespread acclaim.
The House of Guinness series itself enjoyed a successful night at the IFTAs, securing two awards from a total of seven nominations. Alongside Boyle’s individual triumph, the show’s visual effects team, Eoin O’Sullivan and David Sewell, were recognised for their exceptional work in Best VFX.
With his star firmly on the rise and critical praise for his turn as Arthur Guinness, Boyle is reportedly already contemplating his subsequent historical role. Intriguingly, his gaze is turning towards a figure much closer to his own roots.
“I was actually thinking about this last week,” Boyle revealed in a recent discussion. “I’d love to play Van Morrison.” The acclaimed actor expressed his deep admiration for the legendary Northern Irish singer-songwriter. “Van Morrison is my favourite singer of all time,” he stated emphatically.
Boyle recently had the opportunity to witness Morrison perform live, an experience that clearly left a lasting impression. “I went and saw him last week — not as a person, just watching him sing — and even at 70-whatever age he is now [80], he has this amazing power in him,” Boyle observed. He added, “and I’d love to play him if there’s ever a biopic.” This aspiration suggests a keen interest in exploring the lives of influential cultural figures through his craft.
This latest IFTA win marks a significant milestone for Boyle, though it’s not his first brush with the prestigious awards. He was previously nominated in the Best Lead Actor – Drama category for his role as Brendan Hughes in Say Nothing. That series, also a historical drama, explored the turbulent period of The Troubles and the complexities of the IRA. His current award for portraying Arthur Guinness solidifies his reputation as a dynamic and versatile historical interpreter.
The ensemble cast of House of Guinness also received significant recognition. Co-stars Jack Gleeson and Fionn O’Shea were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor for their respective roles as Byron Hedges and Benjamin Guinness. Adding to the show’s strong showing, Danielle Galligan was also a contender for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting the depth of talent within the production.
Beyond the individual acting accolades, House of Guinness was also nominated for Best Editing, underscoring the overall quality of the series. The win for Best VFX further cemented the show’s technical excellence, contributing to its impressive haul of two awards on the night.
The full ceremony of the IFTAs is scheduled to be broadcast on RTÉ One at 10:50 PM on Saturday night, February 21st, offering viewers a chance to relive the night’s triumphs.
