Morrison honoured in LA ceremony

It was a wild night indeed for Van Morrison in LA last night when he was presented with an award for his contribution to film by Al Pacino.

The Belfast screenwriter Terry George, who wrote In the Name of the Father, The Boxer and hotel Rwanda was also honoured at the same event, when he was presented with an award by Fionnula Flanagan.

It was the second year of the Oscar Wilde ceremony, which last year honoured Jim Sheridan. Neil Jordan and David Holmes. It is organised by the US-Ireland Alliance and is sponsored by the Irish Film Board and Culture Ireland.

Van the Man who accepted his award with about 10 words, said he was “speechless”, but later performed for about 40 minutes,, joined by his daughter Shana, who dueted with him. Al Pacino said he met Van in London 15 years ago and found him to be a man of ”huge heart and great sensitivity.”

There was a strong northern accent in Los Angeles when Terry George spoke about coming form east Belfast and hearing the names of streets he played on named in Van’s songs. Morrison’s music has been used in 50 international movies.

The six years that Terry George spent in Long Kesh for INLA activities have provided great fuel for his movies like “In The Name of the Father” and “Hotel Rwanda”, said Fionnual Flanagan who presented his award. “It raised him to the international level where he belongs”, said Fionnula Flanagan.

The Boston Irish writer William who is nominated for best screenplay for “The Departed” was presented his award by Bruno Maddox who worked with him on Spy magazine.

Among the guests at last night’s event were Orlando Bloom, Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, Andie McDowell, Cecelia Ahern, Colm Meaney and members of the board of the Irish Film Board.