IRISH TIPPED FOR OSCAR SUCCESS
The Hollywood Reporter revealed a list of their top contenders this weekend with Saoirse Ronan, Irish animator Nora Twomey and Liam Neeson all hotly tipped to be up for an Oscar.
The publication’s awards columnist compiled a list of frontrunners and major threats based on advance screenings, reviews and consultations with movie industry insiders.
It claims Saoirse Ronan is a hot favourite to get her third nomination for her forthcoming role in US movie, Lady Bird.
The Irish actress, previously nominated for Atonement and Brooklyn, plays a feisty California teenager who dreams of leading a more independent life away from her family. The 23-year-old has been getting rave reviews for the film which had its world premiere last week.
The publication predicts she will compete with Jessica Chastain, Frances Mcdormand, Sally Hawkins and Margot Robbie for best actress next spring.
Cork-born animator Nora Twomey, 45, who works with top Kilkenny animation studio Cartoon Saloon, is also poised to become an awards season favourite.
The animator has director her first feature film, The Breadwinner, which tells the story of a young girl in Afghanistan who dresses like a boy so she can work and provide for her family.
The film is being tipped as a frontrunner for best animated feature.
Angelina Jolie was so impressed with the movie she came on board as a producer in the early stages and worked closely with the Irish filmmaker in championing the project.
Nora said: “She read the draft of the script and looked at the concept artwork and came on board. She became a mentor during the whole process.”
Liam Neeson, 65, also features as a possible contender for playing Mcdonagh Nora Twomey Colin, Nicole & Barry