The Banshees of Inisherin is a firm favourite to claim Oscar glory this year after backing from Irish fans.
Irish bookmakers Paddy Power revealed they have once again been forced to slash the odds on the critically acclaimed Martin McDonagh flick winning Best Picture at next year’s Oscars.
The film, starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell was a lengthy 25/1 for the gong prior to its release in mid-September but had seen its odds tumble to 9/1.
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They have been cut again this week to 11/2 following further support from punters.
This means the Irish-made film is now the joint second favourite for one of the most coveted prizes in film alongside ‘Babylon’ which stars Brad Pitt.
Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ remains the Evens favourite with the bookie while ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ and ‘Women Talking’ round off the frontrunners at 7/1.
Paddy Power, a spokesperson for Paddy Power, said: “It’s been all one way traffic in our Oscar betting since The Banshees of Inisherin was released, with both critics and our customers talking up its chances at the Academy Awards.
“We love an Irish success story, so while it might be the worst result on our books we’ll be hoping it gets the nod on the night.”
It comes as film director Martin McDonagh said it is "brilliant” to hear claims that his new movie could clean up at next year’s Oscars.
He told us: “I think it’s brilliant. I don’t make films very often anyway so it’s nice. If people are talking about it that way, usually it means it is good and usually it means people will go to see it to check what the fuss is about.
“All the performances I think deserve it. We’ll see what happens in a few months but I’m hopeful for them because I think they should.”
Both McDonagh and Farrell were among the winners at the Venice International Film Festival last month when their dark comedy received its world premiere.
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