The 13th Annual Writers’ Guild of Ireland ZeBBie Awards were held online last night. Named in honour of O.Z (Zebby) Whitehead, and presented each year by Senator David Norris, the awards are voted for by members of the Guild. The 2020 ZeBBie Awards recognise the best scripts for radio, stage and screen that were written and produced in 2019.
The Writers’ Guild warmly congratulated all the winners on their fantastic scripts. In an incredibly competitive year for scriptwriting talent, the winners were:
Theatre – Removed by Fionnuala Kennedy
A young man called Adam shares his funny, moving and shocking story of social workers, foster homes and his baby brother, Joe.
Radio Drama – You’d Better Sit Down by Nyree Yergainharsian
You’d Better Sit Down illustrates with poignancy and humour how different people within the one family attempt to cope with a diagnosis of cancer and how this challenging event brings the family dynamic sharply into focus.
Feature Film – Extra Ordinary by Mike Ahern, Enda Loughman, Maeve Higgins, Demian Fox
Rose, a mostly sweet and lonely Irish driving instructor, must use her supernatural talents to save the daughter of Martin (also mostly sweet and lonely) from a washed-up rock star who is using her in a Satanic pact to reignite his career.
Short Film – Ciúnas by Tristan Heanue
A couple drive to the city to collect their daughter. It’s clear they are in the middle of a family crisis. But what exactly is wrong…. and how do they cope with the unfolding situation?
Television Drama – Derry Girls Series 2 Episode 6 by Lisa McGee
As Christmas nears, excitement in Derry is at fever pitch for President Bill Clinton’s visit. Having written to Chelsea Clinton, the friends naïvely plan to spend the day with her, while James gets a surprise, and Granda Joe embarks on a mysterious plan.
Continuing Drama – Fair City Series 30 Ep 195 by Thomas McLaughlin
Will imprisons and violently attacks Cristiano and flees the scene, promising to call an ambulance. But he is knocked down on the street and stretchered off to hospital himself.