James Martin's dad tells of pride as Belfast actor is first star with Down's Syndrome to win Oscar
(Left to right) Ross White, James Martin, Seamus O’Hara and Tom Berkeley attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA (Doug Peters/PA)
The father of one of the stars of An Irish Goodbye has described the film’s Oscar success as “unbelievable”.
An Irish Goodbye, which won the Oscar for best live action short film, follows the story of two estranged brothers, played by James Martin and Seamus O’Hara, who come together after their mother’s death to fulfil her bucket list.
Mr Martin is the first star with Down’s Syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.
Speaking to BBC Radio's his father Ivan Martin said: “It’s an amazing feat. It’s something that nobody can ever take away from him. When you’re the first to do anything, it’s there for life and that’s how it is with him."
Mr Martin said when his son was born, he was told he may never speak.
“So here we are – James not only speaks, once he started speaking he hasn’t shut up since.
Mr Martin said his son attended the Elton John after-party following the ceremony.
“It’s been a journey.
“You get to the Oscars and everybody keeps saying the prize is getting there but, truth to tell, you want to win.
“And I had my doubts about it because one of the opposition films was a Disney film and they had in the last week… they had really been ramping up the promotion for it.
“But calm heads won it in the end and An Irish Goodbye (is) a film we can all be proud of.”
He added: “It’s just crazy. But there were a few tears shed but what an achievement, just delighted.”
Speaking to the BBC following his win, James Martin said "it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome".
"As long as you do what you do – and I do what I can to be funny.
"I’m the first person with Down syndrome to win not just a Bafta but an Oscar… especially on my birthday, it’s fantastic.”
