merrion street

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, has today hailed the latest successes for the Irish film industry, following the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations. Ruth Negga has been nominated in the category of Best Actress in a Leading Role for Loving, Consolata Boyle has been nominated for Best Costume Design for Florence Foster Jenkins and the Irish Film Board supported film The Lobster has secured a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am delighted to see, yet again, that Irish talent is being recognised in this year’s Academy Awards. Being nominated for an Oscar is, in itself, an acknowledgment from your peers in the entertainment and film industry of enormous talent and ability. It can also serve as a pivotal turning point in the career of any actor or filmmaker.

“Last year was an excellent year for the Irish film industry; we enjoyed numerous awards and recognition internationally. These Oscar nominations also further enhance Ireland’s reputation in the film industry internationally. I would like to personally congratulate Ruth, Consolata and the team behind The Lobster for their incredible achievements.

“The Government’s Creative Ireland programme, which is an ambitious five year initiative for the arts and creative sectors, places a deliberate focus on growing our film industry. This year we will be developing an industry wide, long term plan to develop Ireland as a global hub for film, TV drama and animation. Ireland has the creative talent, international credibility and incentive structures to compete on a global level, to tell compelling Irish stories and sustain a vibrant creative audio-visual sector.”