Irish lines in 2016 Oscar script

The poster for “Brooklyn” featuring Saoirse Ronan

By Irish Echo Staff

There was a strong Irish and Irish American presence in the list of Oscar nominations which was released today.

Indeed, the Irish Times described “an extraordinary day for the Irish film industry” with both Dublin-born Lenny Abrahamson’s “Room” and John Crowley’s “Brooklyn” being nominated for best picture at next month’s Academy Awards.

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As widely expected, New York-born and Carlow-raised Saoirse Ronan was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar for her starring role in “Brooklyn,” which is based on the Colm Tóibín novel of the same name.

This is the second time that Ronan has been nominated.

Abrahamson’s “Room” was adapted for the screen by Emma Donoghue from her own acclaimed novel. It garnered four nominations while “Brooklyn” received three.

Michael Fassbender, more Kerry than Koblenz despite his German name, was nominated in the Best Actor category for his portrayal of Apple-founder Steve Jobs.

“Stutterer,” by Irish director Benjamin Cleary, was nominated in the live action short category.

Irish American actress, Rooney Mara, was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in “Carol.”

Reported the Irish Times: “Irish cinema performed better than most domestic observers will have dreamed. This is easily the nation’s best-ever performance as regards Oscar nominations. ‘Room,’ a searing study of motherhood under extreme pressure, and ‘Brooklyn,’ a moving adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s fine novel, were both produced in cooperation with the Irish Film Board.”

“I am delighted to send my warmest congratulations to the Irish nominees on the occasion of the unprecedented strong Irish representation at the Oscars 2016,” said President Michael D. Higgins.

President Higgins is a former minister for the arts.

The winners in all categories will be announced on awards night in Los Angeles on February 28.

 

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