Local short film An Irish Goodbye nominated for an Oscar
Date Posted: January 24, 2023
Hollywood actors Allison Williams and Riz Ahmed today announced the 95th Annual Academy Awards via a global live stream. Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to see An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Tom Berkeley & Ross White nominated for an Oscar in the Live Action Short Film category.
The Oscar nomination comes hot on the heels of the film’s BAFTA nomination for Best British Short Film.
Filmed entirely in Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye, is a black comedy about the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother. Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome. A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland. But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.
The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).
Writers and Directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White commented: “Having grown up watching the Oscars every year from afar, we are completely honoured and overwhelmed by this nomination. The Academy Awards represent the very pinnacle of international filmmaking, and we are simply blown away to be a small part of this year’s celebration. All our thanks goes to our generous, passionate and talented cast and crew; a wee film shot in Templepatrick has somehow made its way to Hollywood – this a dream come true. I mean, Steven Spielberg is going to be there, lads. Steven SPIELBERG.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented: “The Academy Awards is the gold-standard awards ceremony for the art of cinema and we are truly delighted for Ross, Tom and the entire team behind An Irish Goodbye who have secured a prestigious Oscars nomination. We are so proud of the team who continue to rack up acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Northern Ireland Screen is very pleased to have supported An Irish Goodbye and wish them every success for awards season.”
The Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 12 at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
