Oscar hopes for Irishmen

There’s still a long way to go before the nominations for the 2005 Academy Awards, but already two Irish stars are attracting attention … for films we haven’t even seen yet.

Step forward 52-year-old Ulsterman, Liam Neeson, hotly-fancied for his portrayal of Stateside sex guru Alfred Kinsey.

The screen bio is due out in the US next week.

Neeson got a previous nomination for Schindler’s List in l994.

Also, Dublin hellraiser Colin Farrell is tipped for a nod for his controversial portrayal of Alexander the Great in Oliver Stone’s epic blockbuster.

The film will be out next month.