Cillian is last hope in Oscars but let’s hear it for the boys
Murphy tipped for award but his countrymen still steal screen
AHEAD of the Oscar shortlist reveal earlier this week I had a headline in mind that went something like “Let’s here it for the boys”.
Sadly Barry Keoghan, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal missed out on a nomination, but the sentiment still holds true for Cillian Murphy, our best hope.
Not forgetting Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures whose collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos on Poor Things is listed in 11 categories.
I texted Barry to commiserate after he lost out on a nomination despite his phenomenal performance in Saltburn.
Barry himself was gracious about it, publicly wishing the other nominees well, which is exactly what you’d expect from the humble Dubliner.
In my opinion he was robbed and he surely must be gutted. He put so
much of himself into it and put himself on the line, and really his name should have been up there.
He was nominated for the Critics’ Choice awards and the Golden Globes so not to get the nod for an Oscar must be a crushing blow.
But Barry is so focused, he’s only 31 and look what he’s achieved already. He knows who he wants to work with, he’s brilliant at his craft.
He’s only just getting warmed up here, he’ll get plenty more nominations. Look at his achievements to date: Love/hate, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Marvel, The Banshees of Inisherin.
MIXED
Saltburn got mixed reviews, it was loved and loathed in equal measure. I think maybe some people didn’t get it.
But Cillian has earned his stripes. He’s an incredible actor, he has worked hard and toiled 30 years to become the star he is.
When he started out in Disco Pigs, then 28 Days Later... now this is his sixth project with Christopher Nolan. Peaky Blinders was phenomenal.
I think he’s a stunning actor with impeccable taste when it comes to deciding on films. Oppenheimer showcases that in abundance.
Cillian has it all when it comes to acting tools, his performance in Oppenheimer outshone everyone else.
I hope he picks up the gong. I know we’re all going to have a hooley either
way. I’ve attended many Oscars ceremonies and I like to think that the Academy gives the Golden Statue to those who deserve it.
But more often than not it can be those who are deemed most popular who get the award.
Oppenheimer and Poor Things
really have shone this awards season and, to my mind, these two look set to scoop most accolades.
I’ve been lucky to be at so many incredible events around awards season.
I recall being in Cannes cheering on Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe while
watching Colin Farrell and Barry walk the red carpet for Killing of a Sacred Deer.
Then there were surreal situations, like interviewing Kate Winslet clutching her statuette outside the Governor’s Ball after winning for The Reader.
My mother had died four months previously so going to the Oscars with Aer Lingus in my stunning sapphire blue bespoke Synan O’mahony gown that took up the overhead cabin was a real treat.
My mother and I would stay up all through the night to watch the Oscars
together and ooh and aah at all the fashion. With her passing I relished the atmosphere and the excitement, and it felt serendipitous that year to be there in her honour.
It was unreal to report from the red carpet the night before the big event and explain what the bleachers were, panning up to the large golden statues, There is a certain type of magic to the Oscars, it’s of old Hollywood and you can feel it in the air. One of my favourite awards nights was wearing a green dress Caroline
Morahan loaned me to the Golden Globes. I danced the funky chicken with Quentin Tarantino and saw Harvey Weinstein smoking cigars with all the glitterati.
I think Cillian deserves Best Actor. Our Corkonian with the steeliest smile is shy but strong and the epitome of cool. He is fun but distant and doesn’t give too much away in interviews, and
I respect him for that.
The build-up over the next few weeks will be exciting and I wish all the Irish wave of talent, whether nominated or not, a massive thanks for enriching film and creating a springboard for the next generation of filmmakers.