It is not necessary to be a sceptic to dismiss the Oscars as a low-cal smoothie, mixing a marketing love-in and a hiring fair. After all, every industry has self-aggrandising jamborees.

The beginning of the year has become a treasure trove of cinematic treats for Irish movie fans. Keeping films fresh in the minds of awards-season voters often means they’re released just before Christmas in the US, so they reach our shores between the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Esther McCarthy selects the movies you really don’t want to miss

London-Irish director Martin McDonagh and leading actress Frances McDormand have been tipped for Oscar success with their new film, writes Helen Barlow.

Our regular contributors select their highlights of the year