Denied Best Actress Oscar, but Saoirse Ronan still wins in fashion stakes

Paddy’s Day came early for Irish entrants in the Academy Awards with Brie Larson taking Best Actress for the home-grown movie Room, while Dubliner Ben Cleary was celebrating as his film Stutterer won Best Live Action Short.

There were also gúnas galore as Saoirse Ronan, though pipped at the post for Best Actress, won in the style stakes with an emerald green ensemble, while Larson looked radiant in a striking blue dress.

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Larsonsaid that making the film, about a woman and her child held captive, gave her a better understanding and appreciation of single mothers, including her own. “I grew up with a single mom in a small apartment, and I realise this was a way to honour my mother,” she said on the Oscars red carpet.

Cleary high-fived a big ‘Sláinte’ as he brandished his Oscar. “Every day is a proud day to be Irish but today more so than usual, so everyone for all the support back home thank you so much.”

Their achievements were celebrated by President Michael D Higgins and the Irish Film Board.

President Higgins said the strong line-up of Irish actors and film-makers was a “tribute to the Irish film industry”.

“It is now accepted internationally that Ireland has an accomplished film industry, providing a great return from the investment in film — made over recent decades — through highly skilled jobs and an enhanced international reputation,” he said.

Irish Film Board CEO James Hickey said: “

The nine Irish Oscar nominees associated with Ireland and Irish film are all world-class players who have been recognised for their talent at the most prestigious of film awards. Behind each nomination is a team of talent who should be justifiably proud, irrespective of the final outcome at the awards.”