OSCAR nominated director Jim Sheridan has said “the Irish punch so hard above their weight” as he gushes over our Oscar nominations.
Ireland enjoyed a record-breaking year at the Oscar nominations with The Banshees of Inisherin writer-director Martin McDonagh, the film's stars Kerry Condon, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan, Aftersun's Paul Mescal and An Cailín Ciúin among the Irish nominees.
Sheridan – who was nominated for a seven Oscars in 1993 for In The Name Of The Father at the 66th Oscars – said that while Mescal is a “special talent”, he thinks Farrell is the frontrunner to receive an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin.
Reacting to the 14 Oscar nominations, he told us: “I thought it was amazing. Back in ’92 Neil (Jordan) got six for The Crying Game and the following year I got seven for In The Name Of The Father. Those two records have stuck for 30 years so then I mean the nearest was Room.
“It used to be the same on Broadway… every ten years or so you would have an Irish play on Broadway – until Martin McDonagh came along and he was on Broadway three or four times.
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“There is a kind of glitch because he’s English and Irish, we don’t fully report him as Irish.
“The Irish punch so hard above their weight.”
But he reckons Irish language flick An Cailin Ciuin was in English, Carrie Crowley would’ve been nominated for an Oscar.
“I thought An Cailin Ciuin was a great movie. I thought if it was in English, Carrie Crowley probably would’ve been nominated for an Oscar. She was great. She always was.”
And he said he reckons Colin has “a great chance” at bagging the prestigious award.
“I think Colin has a great chance. I think the problem for Paul Mescal is he is up against Colin. Colin is a front runner. Paul Mescal is a special talent. Barry Keoghan is amazing.
“And Martin McDonagh, like for God sake, is he not one of the greatest writers? Like six plays on Broadway and three or four films nominated.
“I personally hate him,” he joked. “I love him. He’s so amazing and successful. He’s a huge talent.”
Sheridan said he is confident we will bring home at least one Oscar in March, adding: “Yeah but I’m not sure which one.”
But the Dubliner said he thinks our success during awards season lately is down to the Government who have “finally woken up” to support the arts, insisting more needs to be given to the film and TV industry.
“Some of it is down to the policies of Screen Ireland. I think the Government has finally woken up and has started to fund the arts. They’ve got E15B, they should give them more.
Asked how much more was needed, he said: “The problem there is that it is a no-win situation because somebody is sitting in their house, not able to pay their electricity bill and looking at millions saying why are they getting that?
“That’s an unequivocal way to look at it. You’d have to look at what other departments are getting.
“I think the actual truth is the film and theatre world are very efficient with the money they are given,” he added.
There were huge celebrations on Sunday when the nominations were announced.
Mescal said: "This is truly a special moment for everyone involved in Aftersun. To be recognised by the Academy is such an insane honour and I'm so utterly grateful.
“I want to dedicate this nomination to my two friends Charlotte and Frankie who I love dearly! This is bananas, thank you!"
Colin said: “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!”
Brendan 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!”
And An Cailin Ciuin’s Catherine Clinch added: “I’m so grateful to be part of this very special film. My grandparents would be really proud that the Irish language will be heard all over the world.”
ENDS
