The Irish Film Board and IDA Ireland have joined forces to leverage the success of Ireland’s nine Oscar nominations, and promote the country as a production destination.
Both agencies said they will undertake a heavy schedule of meetings with US studios, distributors, talent agents, content platforms, film financiers and entertainment technology companies ahead of next weekend’s Academy Awards in Hollywood.
The 88th Academy Awards, recognised as the world’s most influential and high profile film award ceremony, features seven nominations for films supported by the Irish Film Board, and a total of nine nominations for Irish creative talent.
The Irish Film Board and IDA are aiming to highlight Ireland’s film talent, to bring international film production and creative technology businesses to Ireland.
For a country of our size to feature so prominently in the Oscar nominations is unprecedented, Irish Film Board chief executive James Hickey said.
“The eyes of the film world truly are on us and in Hollywood next week our message will be clear – the Irish film sector is a world player in creativity and technical skills.”
Lenny Abrahamson's Room and John Crowley's Brooklyn have been nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards. Saoirse Ronan was nominated as best actress for her turn as an immigrant to 1950s New York in Brooklyn. Brie Larson is in the same race for Room. Kerryman Michael Fassbender is nominated as best actor for his performance as the title character in Steve Jobs. Emma Donoghue and Nick Hornby received best screenwriter nominations, while Ben Cleary was in the best short film category for Stutterer.