Home fans delight as film is Oscar-hyped

THE Irish producers of Poor Things said the support from back home has been “amazing”.

Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, co-founders of the Dublin-based company Element Pictures, thanked well-wishers.

Lowe said: “There’s such an outpouring of enthusiasm right across the board. We’ve had a lot of generosity from lots of different people. It’s lovely. People have looked after us very well.”

Guiney and Lowe were previously recognised by the Academy for their work on Room and The Favourite, which both received Oscars. However, the nominations for Poor Things, 11 in total, still took them aback.

“We were optimistic because you get a sense that it’s connecting but 11 really exceeded our expectations,” said Guiney.

“It would have been a shock for Emma not to get nominated but there are certain ones that you’re not sure you’re going to get like the best director nomination for Yurgos and best supporting actor for Mark Ruffalo. “You’re just not sure what’s going to come through. So, 11 is a good day out.” Lowe (left) added: “I think it’s a reflection of the quality of the film and really Yurgos’ contribution. “He is such an amazing filmmaker and sets such high standards, which really helps everyone working with him up their game.”

The team has been arriving in LA through the week and Lowe said they’d planned “a little gathering” on Saturday night.

He added: “In theory we’re competing with each other but really we’re just in the same boat. We’re totally rooting for Cillian.

“It helps that we have no one nominated in that category but even if we did, we’re so thrilled for him.

“Fingers crossed he’ll deliver.”