Irish film-maker Martin McDonagh was congratulated by Minister for Arts John O'Donoghue today after winning an Oscar last night for his short film Six Shooter.
"I would like to congratulate Martin McDonagh and everyone involved in Six Shooterfor their well deserved Oscar win," Mr O'Donoghue said.
The CEO of the Irish Film Board, Simon Perry, also congratulated Mr McDonagh, a playwright-turned-film-maker on his win.
Martin McDonagh receives the award for Best Live Action Short Film for Six Shooter. Photo: Ian West/PA
"It's excellent to see a new filmmaker like this winning a top award - with a film that is really fresh and arresting, rather than something more traditional. Congratulations to Martin and all involved," Mr Perry said.
McDonagh's film is a black comedy starring Brendan Gleeson as a man who takes a train journey on the day his wife dies and encounters an oddball fellow passenger.
The 35-year-old Galwayman, who was born in London, is already an acclaimed playwright whose works include The Beauty Queen of Leenaneand The Pillowman.
John McDonnell, co-producer of Six Shooter: "It is absolutely fantastic. We are absolutely delighted. It's terrific for Irish cinema and for Martin and everyone involved.
"It wasn't a gamble at all because the script was so fantastic that there was no risk whatsoever. It was possibly the best script I have ever read, it leapt off the page . . . what we needed to do was a good job on a terrific script."
Accepting the Oscar, McDonagh paid tribute to those who could not attend the ceremony including actor Ruaidhri Conroy who was delayed at immigration in the United States.
The film has already been shown twice on RTÉ television and is due to be aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday.