Irish filmmaker Benjamin Cleary picked up the Best Short Film award and actress Brie Larson won the Actress in a Leading Role category for her performance in the Irish film, Room, in a successful night for the Irish at last night’s Academy Awards.
An unprecedented nine Irish nominations – seven of which are Irish Film Board supported – featured in the event, which was watched by an estimated 950 million worldwide and will be televised on Irish TV tonight.
Room was directed by Lenny Abrahamson and produced by Element Pictures with the support of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board.
Commenting on the wins, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board chief executive James Hickey said: “Congratulations to Benjamin Cleary and Brie Larson on winning these prestigious awards. This award for Benjamin emphasises that the next generation of Irish filmmaking is in very good shape. Ireland has a very strong history in this category with ten short film nominations and one win since 2002, eight films of which were funded by the Irish Film Board.
He continued: “Last night’s Oscars was a momentous milestone for the Irish film sector and we are all very proud of what the nominees have achieved. They are wonderful ambassadors for Irish creative talent and innovation. The excitement around Irish creative talent in Los Angeles in the past week has been fantastic. The success of Irish talent at this year’s award season – starting in Cannes last year and bringing us all the way to the Oscars has put a focus on Irish creative talent.”