In what will be her final performance, aired for release in cinemas on September 3rd, the late Danika “Nika” McGuigan received serious praise at last night’s Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) awards.
Passing away aged 33 in 2019 following a short illness, Nika received the award for Lead Actress for her role in psychological drama Wildfire during the 17th year of the annual awards.
Nika’s award was accepted by her loving family, former boxing champion and father, Barry McGuigan, alongside Nika’s mother Sandra and brother Blane.
“Firstly, on behalf of the family, we would like to thank IFTA, all who voted, and all of those who worked on Wildfire, especially Cathy Brady [writer-director] and Nora-Jane Noone [co-star],” said Blane McGuigan.
Continuing, Blane shared praise for Nika’s work and her latest role in Wildfire, which she was being honoured for. Adding that the movie let his sister “express herself artistically like she had never been able to do before.”
Joining Blane, Nika’s mother and father spoke about how all their daughter’s work is a testament to her and her fighting spirit, with Sandra McGuigan concluding:
“For Nika to have been given this award would take her breath away. For me and Barry, it was an absolute privilege that Nika was our daughter. Thank you IFTA, thank you everybody.”
Nika is well-known for starring as Danielle in Irish series Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, as well as in films such as The Secret Scripture and Philomena.
Nika’s final work, Wildfire, will air in cinemas this September and follow “the story of two sisters who grew up on the fractious Irish border”.