Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast wins Oscar for Best Original Screenplay
Date Posted: March 28, 2022
Northern Ireland Screen’s Honorary President, Sir Kenneth Branagh, won the Best Original Screenplay Award for BELFAST at last night’s Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
BELFAST was written and directed by Branagh during lockdown and is a poignant story of love, laughter and loss in one boy’s childhood, amid the social and political tumult of the late 1960s. It stars Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds and introduces 10-year-old Jude Hill.
Accepting the award, Kenneth Branagh paid tribute to an “amazing city and a fantastic people”.
“This story is a search for joy and hope in the face of violence and loss.”
“We will never forget all of those lost in the heart-breaking, heart-warming human story of that amazing city of Belfast on the fabulous island of Ireland.”
Commenting on Belfast’s Oscar win Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said;
“On behalf of Northern Ireland Screen, I want to congratulate Sir Kenneth Branagh on winning the Award for Best Original Screenplay at last night’s 94th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.”
“The global success of Belfast has provided the local film industry in Northern Ireland with a much needed boost after a tough two years. Having a film named after our capital city recognised at the Oscars gives our industry credibility you couldn’t get any other way.”
“The people of Northern Ireland welcomed this film with open arms, we are so proud that Belfast has also been recognised at the most prestigious film awards in the world.”
