Sharon Horgan has said the success of Irish talent during the 2023 awards season is not “surprising” and that she hopes it will mean “more clearances” for Ireland’s film industry.
The Irish actress and director said the island has historically produced “incredible acting talent” but more attention is needed to its achievements.
Martin McDonagh’s dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin has led the charge this year, garnering top nominations and awards at all the major award ceremonies, including Golden Globes, Critics Choice, Baftas and Screen Actors Guild (SAG). ).
He is also nominated for nine Oscars at the 95th annual ceremony on March 12.
Elsewhere, Paul Mescal has won plaudits for his performance in the independent film Aftersun, in which he plays a father struggling to connect with his daughter.
Speaking at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, celebrating the voices of independent storytellers, Horgan reflected on Irish success in recent months.
“It’s crazy, isn’t it? I’m a long-time fan of Kerry Condon, obviously Brendan (Gleeson) and Colin (Farrell) and Paul (Mescal), it’s crazy,” she told PA news agency.
“But it’s not surprising because I think the Irish have always produced amazing acting talent historically, it’s a small island and it just needed a little TLC.
“Everything came up at the same time.
“But it was exciting because of that, because when Bad Sisters came out it was right around the time that Banshees (came out) and I was thrilled to enjoy what was going on with them.”
Asked how continued success would affect Irish talent in the future, he said: “It will affect the film industry because more points will be taken and there will be a lot of great films coming out of Ireland, so maybe the bigger distributors will get on board.
“You have to 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 a Spirit Awards nomination in the gender-neutral category for Best Lead Performance, along with fellow Oscar nominees Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh.
Everything Everywhere All At Once led the nomination field at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, with nominations in most major categories.
The ceremony takes place in Santa Monica, California.