SAOIRSE RONAN

BROOKLYN

WHAT: Brooklyn is based on the novel by Colm Tóibín with a screenplay by Nick Hornby. Saoirse plays Éilis Lacey, right, who leaves 1950s Wexford for a life of opportunity in America. Just as she is finding her feet Stateside, a tragic turn of events brings her back to Ireland. Her chemistry with actor Emory Cohen, who plays her smitten Italian-American beau, is sensational. She also gets to flirt with Domhnall Gleeson.

CATEGORY: Best Actress, Drama. The 21-year-old Carlow actress, left, is said to be so thrilled to be considered, she didn’t even mind that actor Dennis Quaid called her Sheesha when he read out the nominees (now, that’s just sloppy…). This is Saoirse’s second Golden Globe nod; she picked up her first nomination at the tender age of 13 for Atonement and is now hotly tipped to pick up an Oscar nomination when they are announced later this week.

UP AGAINST: There’s a lot of stiff competition here, most notably from Room actress Brie Larson and Cate Blanchett for Carol. The other contenders are Rooney Mara for Carol and Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl.

CHANCES: For her beautiful, utterly believable role in Brooklyn Saoirse has already been honoured with the Best Actress trophy at the British Independent Film Awards and the New Hollywood Award at the Hollywood Film Awards. So her chances are good. Though they would be excellent without Brie Larson in the running.