Irish award for Gibson

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibsonis jetting into Ireland to receive a gong at the Irish Film and Television Awards (Iftas) next weekend. The Australian star will receive the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the 5th annual Iftas at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre.

Gibson, 51, has starred in more than 48 film and television productions, including Braveheart, which he shot in Ireland in 1994.

The Irish Film and Television Academy, which runs the Iftas event on February 17, said the actor, producer and director had many fans in Ireland. Gibson has Irish connections on both parents' sides.