Two of Ireland’s top actors have been nominated for awards at the prestigious Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Saoirse Ronan’s star has risen dramatically over the last few years and she is keeping the momentum going this year with strong performances in Lady Bird and Loving Vincent.
It is her performance as Christine McPherson in Lady Bird that is seeing her tipped for her third Oscar nomination, following her previous nominations for Brooklyn and Atonement.
Ronan received the good news that she will be in with a chance of scooping the ‘Best female lead’ award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Lady Bird is also up for ‘Best Feature’.
Another Irish star in line for a top prize is 25-year-old Dubliner Barry Keoghan.
Keoghan, who has already impressed with key roles in ’71 and Dunkirk will be up for the ‘best supporting male’ award for his performance in Killing of a Sacred Dear.
If Ronan and Keoghan are successful they will be in impressive company and take their place alongside previous winners such as the Coen brothers, Christopher Nolan, Steve McQueen, Spike Lee, Amy Adams, Oliver Stone, Ashley Judd and Zach Braff.
The awards are in their 33rd year and have become a key date in the calendar. As the name suggests they celebrate artist-driven, independent films.
The ceremony takes place the day before the Oscars.
To see a full list of nominations take a look at the Film Independent Spirit Awards website.
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling
