Northern Ireland

James Martin named 'Outstanding Newcomer' at prestigious RTS TV Awards

RTS Ireland Television Awards presenter Caitlin Ní Aoidh and Cormac Ó hEadhra with James Martin, who has been named 2023's Outstanding Newcomer.
RTS Ireland Television Awards presenter Caitlin Ní Aoidh and Cormac Ó hEadhra with James Martin, who has been named 2023's Outstanding Newcomer. RTS Ireland Television Awards presenter Caitlin Ní Aoidh and Cormac Ó hEadhra with James Martin, who has been named 2023's Outstanding Newcomer.

STAR of Oscar-winning short Film An Irish Goodbye, James Martin, has been named 'Outstanding Newcomer' at the RTS Ireland Television Awards.

The Belfast actor received the gong in recognition of his portrayal of bereaved brother Lorcan in the short film, available to view on BBC iPlayer, along with his role in ITV and Netflix crime drama Marcella, in which he plays Danny Armstrong.

The latest award, presented on Tuesday at a gala ceremony in Dublin, follows James' appearance at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month, in which he joined fellow star Seamus O'Hara and An Irish Goodbye directors Ross White and Tom Berkely in accepting the Best Short Film statuette.

The star-studded event took place as James celebrated his 31st birthday, with the Belfast man receiving a rendition of 'happy birthday' by A-listers during the award acceptance.

James has said he plans to continue working in his role as a Starbucks barista while also pursuing other acting roles.

Speaking of the latest gong, chair of RTS Ireland, Agnes Cogan, said: "This award is to recognise emerging screen talent and its impact on audiences over the past year.

"James Martin, this year‘s recipient, has been lighting up our screens in the Netflix/ITV Series Marcella, and with his unforgettable portrayal of Lorcan in the Oscar-winning short, An Irish Goodbye."