Paul Mescal speeds along red carpet in Dublin — for a very sweet reason though
Paul Mescal pictured posing for a selfie with fans on the red carpet for the screening of the film God's Creatures, which opened the Dublin International Film Festival
Oscar nominee Paul Mescal was all smiles on Thursday night as he touched down in the capital to open the Dublin International Film Festival.
The Maynooth man was happy to sign autographs and take selfies with fans who had shown up for the gala screening of his film — though he had few words for the journalists in attendance.
"Excited," he shouted over his shoulder, as agents shuffled him away from journalists who tried to ask him about his feelings ahead of the biggest night in film.
"Sorry," he mumbled, by way of apology, "we're tight on time."
His fellow castmate, acting royal Emily Watson, was happy to talk about his stellar rise to the top, however, saying of the young actor "to know him is to love him".
"He's an adorable young man. And so talented."
Asked whether she'd given Ireland's fastest-rising star any advice on how to handle his newfound celebrity she said: "He's doing pretty good. He's very grounded. He's got his family around him."
Indeed, his mother Dearbhla and father Paul Sr were by his side again tonight, after attending the Bafta's with him on Sunday last.
Both received a winning smile from their son and hugs when he spotted them — and word on the carpet was that he was particularly conscious of making his way into the theatre on time tonight because of their presence.
The young actor, who is credited with giving GAA shorts their moment in the fashion world, rocked a Simone Rocha leather duster outfit on the red carpet on the night, complete with a white shirt, black tie, black trousers, black leather boots and a gold earring.
The 27-year-old, who will appear on Friday's ,is set to become an even bigger name in the coming months with a staggering number of film projects on the way including , a movie adaption of the classic opera due for release in April, , a sci-fi thriller with Saoirse Ronan, and another theatre run as Stanley Kowalski in this time in London's West End, following its success at the Almeida.
He's a welcome catch for any director or producer these days — legendary director Ridley Scott has handpicked him for the leading role in his long-awaited Gladiator sequel — but producer Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly told the it was actually Mescal that reached out to them after getting a hold of the film's script.
"It was a surprise," she said. "We hadn't sent it to him."
"His team are so proactive — they know what's going around."
But while Mescal's star might be on the ascent, it seems he isn't straying too far from his roots.
Prior to his red carpet appearance on Thursday, the rising star had paid a visit to his old alma matter, Maynooth Post Primary School, where he participated in a Q&A session with TYs working on a production of .
In a Facebook post, the school thanked him for "the advice" he provided students. No better man for the job.
