Paul Mescal wrongly called British by BBC

The BBC has apologised for calling Irish actor Paul Mescal British during its Oscar nominations coverage.

On-screen text on the BBC News channel on Jan 24 stated that “British actors” Paul Mescal and Bill Nighy had been nominated for leading role.

After receiving 605 complaints, the broadcaster has apologised via its Corrections and Clarifications website.

Mescal, who was born in Maynooth, was nominated in the lead actor category for his performance in the film Aftersun. He stars as a Scottish father on holiday with his daughter, played by Frankie Corio.

After his breakout performance in Normal People in 2020, Mescal was widely reported as being British, and in response tweeted: “I’m Irish”.