COLIN’S WAIL OF A TIME AS BANSHEES BAGS GONGS
Irish film’s Golden Globe wins put it on track for Oscar glory
THE Banshees Of Inisherin will have spooked the rest of the Oscar contenders after it won big at the Golden Globes.
And its star, Colin Farrell, had plenty of golden moments of his own at the awards ceremony in Beverly Hills.
The Dubliner, 46, who picked up the Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Film gong, showed his chivalry to actress Jennifer Coolidge of White Lotus fame as he offered her his arm and walked her on stage.
He also set tongues wagging at Tuesday’s ceremony as he enjoyed a flirty exchange with actress Ana de Armas, star of Blonde, the controversial film about the life and troubles of Marilyn Monroe, during his acceptance speech.
Martin McDonagh’s film left with three awards, including Best Screenplay of a Motion Picture for the writer/director, and Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, alongside Colin Farrell’s gong.
Showing off his sensitive side, Farrell revealed to de Armas, 34, as he accepted his award: ‘I just thought you were extraordinary. I cried myself to sleep the night I saw your film, Blonde.
‘One thing had to do with the music that played at the moment where the shot opens and just seeing her ankles at the edge of the bed. It messed me up so bad.’
The Castleknock star also spoke of the critical acclaim heaped on the film, stating: ‘To work on this film, I never expect films to work or to find an audience and when they do, it’s shocking to me. I’m horrified by what’s happened around over the last couple of months, in a thrilling kind of way. Martin McDonagh thank you so much for 14 years ago – you put me working with Brendan Gleeson, my dance partner, and you changed the trajectory of my life forever in ways I will be begrudgingly grateful for the rest of my days.
‘Brendan, I love you so much. To get to cohabitate this creative space with you every day, all I did when I came to work every day was to aspire to be your equal. ‘I’m not saying I even got there, but the aspiration kept me going and I will thank you for that for the rest of my days also,’ Farrell told a packed audience at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Telling the cut-off music that began to play him off ‘you can forget that piano’, Farrell also praised co-stars Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, who both lost in their respective categories. Wrapping up his speech, Farrell gave an honourable mention to one special cast member and to his children, remarking: ‘Lastly, Jenny the donkey who is having an early retirement. And to my kids at home who are watching this, James and Henry, the loves of my life I love you so much.’
Fourteen years earlier, Farrell won his first Globe for McDonagh’s In Bruges, which likewise paired him with Brendan Gleeson.
Gleeson shared the honour of being nominated in the Golden Globes this year alongside his son Domhnall, who got the nod for his performance in the psychological TV thriller series The Patient.
Farrell’s Banshees co-star Keoghan was among the earlier arrivals to the red carpet, making a bold statement in a pale blue suit by Louis Vuitton, that was notable for its modern silhouette and edgy details. Co-star and Tipperary native Condon wowed in an off-the-shoulder custom black velvet Brandon Maxwell gown that oozed old Hollywood elegance.
All eyes now turn to the Oscars, with the nominations for the ceremony in March to be announced on Tuesday, January 24.
14 years since Colin Farrell last won a Golden Globe