Ireland has enjoyed its best-ever day at the Oscar nominations.
The Banshees of Inisherin is the second most nominated film of the year, with a total of nine nods, and it is Colin Farrell’s first-ever nomination for the prestigious Best Actor Award.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Farrell said, “(I’m) just so grateful to the Academy for all the love it’s shared with the Banshees’ cast and crew. Also, beyond honoured to be lumped together with my fellow nominees. A heartfelt congratulations to all the lads.”
The Irish actor also received his first BAFTA nomination last week for his role in the dark comedy drama and has already picked up a Golden Globe for his performance.
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Paul Mescal joins Farrell on the Best Actor shortlist for his performance in Aftersun while, for only the 22nd time in the 95 year history of Oscars, 2023 also sees Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan both in the running for the same Best Supporting Actor Award
“That ones for you Brando. Daddy loves you,” Keoghan posted on Instagram, following the nomination news along with a picture of him reflecting in the sunshine.
The Dublin native and his girlfriend Alyson Sandro welcomed their first child, Brando, back in August.
Colin said: “Barry, when you’re sharing a house with an actor you’re working with, a word of advice Barry, don’t eat his Crunchy Nut Cornflakes and leave him with no breakfast in the morning. “Okay, you should never send a man to work in an empty belly.”
According to Ladbrokes, the Martin McDonagh dark-comedy drama is a serious contender for ‘Best Picture’ at 9/4, just behind category leader Everything Everywhere All At Once at 4/7.
Farrell is now one of the hot favourites for the Best Actor gong, with his odds cut as short as 9/4 while Gleeson and Keoghan are sitting at 4/1 and 12/1 respectively in the Best Supporting Actor market. Kerry Condon is also second favourite at 2/1 in the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Siobhán in the hit film.
Commenting on today’s Oscar nomination, Brendan Gleeson said, “What an amazing wake-up call! I’m so proud and grateful to be part of The Banshees of Inisherin on a personal and professional level. I’m absolutely thrilled for the whole brilliant cast and everyone at home. What a day for the Irish film industry on a world stage! Feels like a huge family outing on the cards! Thank you, Academy. Thank you, Martin! Thank you all!”
Also at today’s nominations event in Hollywood, Ireland’s critically acclaimed An Cailín Ciúin/ The Quiet Girl became the first Irish-language film to be nominated for Best International Feature after last week being nominated for two BAFTAs.
Based on the acclaimed story, Foster by Claire Keegan, it tells the story of Cáit (Catherine Clinch) – a nine year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer. Despite a warm reception from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), keeps his distance from Cáit and she from him, but over time, their strained relationship begins to deepen. Slowly, in the care of the Kinsellas, Cáit blossoms and discovers a new way of living. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth.
Speaking on the film’s Oscar nomination, Writer/Director, Colm Bairéad and Producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi from Inscéal, the production company behind the film, said “We are honoured beyond words that An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl has been nominated for the 95th Academy Awards. This is a truly historic and meaningful moment for Irish film, the Irish people and the Irish language. Never before has an Irish film been nominated in this category. Never before has Irish-language art been given such a platform. This film has been an extraordinary labour of love and it has been a joy to see audiences the world over take it into their hearts. Our sincere thanks to the members of the Academy for embracing An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl and giving her a voice. Our huge thanks also to the funders of this film; TG4, Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, to the Irish Film and Television Academy, Bankside Films and to all of our wonderful distributors around the world”.
An Irish Goodbye from Northern Ireland is in the running for Best Live-Action Short Film, Irish editor Jonathan Redmond is nominated for Best Editing for his work on Elvis and Avatar: The Way of Water‘s Richard Baneham – an Oscar winner for his work on the original movie – is among the Best Visual Effects nominees.
Jimmy Kimmel will host The 95th Oscars on Sunday 12 March at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
