by Sharon Horgan said the success of Irish talent during the 2023 awards season was “not surprising” and she hoped it will mean “more punts” would be taken against the Irish film industry.
The Irish actress and director said the island has produced “incredible acting talent” in the past but that more focus on her achievements is needed.
Martin McDonagh’s dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin has taken the lead this year, earning top nominations and accolades at all the major awards shows, including the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, Baftas and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
He will also be nominated for nine Oscars at the 95th annual ceremony on March 12.
Elsewhere, Paul Mescal has garnered praise for his performance in the independent film Aftersun, in which he plays a father struggling to bond with his daughter.
Speaking at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which celebrated the voices of independent storytellers, Horgan reflected on Ireland’s success in recent months.
“It’s crazy, isn’t it … I’m a longtime fan of Kerry Condon, obviously Brendan (Gleeson) and Colin (Farrell) and Paul (Mescal) – it’s crazy,” she told the PA news agency.
“But it’s not surprising because I think historically the Irish have always produced incredible acting talent, it’s a small island and it just needed a little care.
“Everything kind of came at once.
“But that’s why it was exciting, because when Bad Sisters came out, it was just the right time when Banshees[came out]and I was just delighted to bask in what was going on with them.”
When asked how continued success would affect Irish talent going forward, she said: “It’s going to impact the film industry because more points will be made and a lot of great films will come out of Ireland – so maybe bigger distributors will come along board.
“You gotta ride those waves, don’t you? Who knows what will happen, but it can only get better. All the talent is there.”
Mescal also received an award at the Spirit Awards in the gender-neutral category for Best Lead, along with fellow Oscar nominees Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh.
Everything Everywhere All At Once topped the field of nominations at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, with nominations in most major categories.
The ceremony will take place in Santa Monica, California.
