Belfast creator Sir Kenneth Branagh says Outlander star Caitriona Balfe will return to the Oscars stage despite her snub at this year's ceremony.
Belfast is up for 12 awards and Caitriona, who plays the ma opposite Jamie Dornan in the story about a family's struggles in 1960s Belfast amidst The Troubles, was omitted from the list of those nominated.
It came as a blow for fans of the star, who plays Claire Fraser in Outlander, and was a surprise considering she was highly touted for an award.
Sir Kenneth was also surprised that his leading lady didn't land her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress and told Entertainment Weekly online that he still credits his nominations to her and her co-stars.
He said: "We know that this is a phenomenally competitive year. There are just some wonderful films out there, and inevitably, there are wonderful performances.
"What I know for sure is that I wouldn't have any nominations, for sure, without the incredible work of Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe and Jude Hill. It sounds cliched, but I mean it when I say these nominations absolutely belong to them."
Regarding Caitriona's talents specifically he added: "What I know for certain — and I would bet the house right now — is that she will be back for sure.
"It's a beautiful piece of work that in many other years would have been recognised, but she, nor I, nor anyone would ever have any complaints about the amazing people that have been nominated this year.
"It's an honour to be in the conversation. And you know that anybody who takes those places has earned the right to do so."
For the Best Supporting Actress category Judi Dench is nominated and Ciarán Hinds is also nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting role.
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