An Irish Goodbye wins Oscar for Best Short Film
The film saw off stiff competition at Sunday night’s Academy Awards.
Co-directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White led the audience in singing happy birthday to actor James Martin, sportina leopard skin tuxedo, who turned 31 on Sunday.
There was disappointment for The Banshees of Inisherin which didn’t win any awards.
Irish actor Paul Mescal also missed out, as did An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl).
Everything Everywhere All at Once dominated at the ceremony, winning seven awards.
There was a record number of nominations for Irish talent at the awards in Los Angeles.
Irish President Michael D Higgins said it was a remarkable year for the Irish film industry.
He said the success was “a testament to the hard work of so many people over recent decades”.
Directed and written by Ross White and Tom Berkeley, An Irish Goodbye tells the story of two estranged brothers who come together after their mother’s death.
The black comedy, set on a rural farm, stars James Martin as Lorcan, alongside Seamus O’Hara who plays his older brother Turlough.
White described winning the Oscar as completely overwhelming.
“We’re just so proud to be representing Northern Ireland.
“To be on that stage in front of all of our cinematic heroes – it was a special moment.”
Sunday’s award was not the only reason to celebrate as it was also Martin’s birthday.
He previously said an Oscar win would “put the icing on my birthday cake”.
Other nominations in the Sunday’s ceremony in the best live action short film category, were Ivalu, Le Pupille, Night Ride and the Red Suitcase.
The award was won in 2022 by British film The Long Goodbye.
An Irish Goodbye won a Bafta Award last month
Irish talent was well represented at the Oscars ceremony with a record 14 nominations, including nine for Martin McDonagh’s tragicomedy The Banshees of Inisherin.
Colin Farrell lost out in the best actor category, while his co-stars Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan were unsuccessful in the best supporting actor category.
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