Irish actress nominated for Tony prize in NY

Irish actress Fiona Shaw has been nominated for a prestigious Tony theatre award in New York.

Shaw was nominated for her part in Deborah Warner's highly acclaimed production of the Greek tragedy Medea. Originally produced in Dublin at the Abbey, Shaw was the only remaining member of that cast in the show when it played Broadway.

The New York Timessaid of the production: "As upsetting as much of the production is, the show radiates such high theatrical energy and intelligence that you can't help grin".

Shaw was nominated in the best leading actress category along with Vanessa Redgrave for her appearance in Long Day's Journey Into Night, Victoria Hamilton for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, and Claire Higgins for her part in Vincent in Brixton.

British comedian Eddie Izzard was named as a possible best leading actor. Veteran film star Paul Newman and Antonio Banderas were also nominated in best actor categories - Newman for his role in a revival of Our Town, and Banderas for his starring role in the revival of Nine The Musical.

Additional reporting AP