Academy Award® Nominations for the Irish Film Industry and IFB Funded Films 'Albert Nobbs' & ‘Pentecost’
Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ the Irish Film Board (IFB) would like to congratulate Irish Oscar nominees, director Peter McDonald and producer Eimear O'Kane, whose light hearted short film PENTECOST has been nominated for an Academy Award®, along with the team behind ALBERT NOBBS, the Irish production which has received three nominations for Best Actress (Glenn Close), Best Supporting Actress (Janet McTeer) and Best Make Up (Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle).
Commenting on the nominations, James Hickey, Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ the Irish Film Board (IFB) said: "These nominations are the highest international recognition for Irish talent working in the film industry and also underline Ireland's reputation as a cultural hub. A key objective of the Irish Film Board is to support Irish creativity, creating international opportunities for Irish talent through our funding. Projects such as Albert Nobbs and Pentecost are examples of where this has been achieved. Congratulations to all the nominees."
Commenting on her Oscar nomination Irish make-up artist Lynn Johnston said "I was delighted to get the chance to work with Matthew Mungle again and Martial Corneville. Both Glenn & Janet were so patient each morning during the application of the make-up and prosthetics and Rodrigo created a lovely atmosphere on set. I'm so glad I had the chance to work on Albert Nobbs produced by Parallel Films. The entire cast and crew work really hard on these productions and it's great to see their work get international recognition."
Alan Moloney, ALBERT NOBBS producer said "We are delighted to have three Oscar nominations for our film Albert Nobbs which is an Irish story completely filmed on location in Ireland with the support of the Irish Film Board. Getting this film produced meant a lot to Glenn Close and she means a lot to us."
Peter McDonald said "I'm really proud of PENTECOST and everyone's work on it. It is an Irish story produced by a full Irish cast and crew with funding from the Irish Film Board. The film I had in my head is the film that I made and I know from my experience as an actor that doesn't happen unless you have a talented cast and crew to help you achieve this. I hope that the nomination will create new opportunities for all involved. It is great that the film has connected at such a universal level."
Eimear O'Kane said: "It's such exciting news for us, we're absolutely thrilled. It's a great honour to be part of the Irish contingent who will be travelling to L.A. On behalf of both Peter and I, I'd like to extend a huge thank you to the Irish Film Board for supporting us and to all the cast and crew who worked so hard to make this film happen."
Funded through the IFB's Signatures short film scheme, PENTECOST film stars Andrew Bennett, Michael McElhatton and Don Wycherley and tells the story of a young altar boy who is forced to serve at an important mass and has to make a difficult choice: conform to the status quo or serve an extended ban from his passion in life.... football.
It's is the 8th Irish short film to receive an Academy Award® nomination since 2002. PENTECOST first came under the international spotlight when it was selected for the Tribeca International Film Festival last year.
Irish short filmmakers have received huge profile at the Oscars in recent years. Martin McDonagh's SIX SHOOTER took home the award for Best Live Action Short, and McDonagh went on to direct the successful feature film ‘In Bruges'. GRANNY O'GRIMM'S SLEEPING BEAUTY, written and performed by Kathleen O'Rourke and directed by Nicky Phelan, Cathal Gaffney's GIVE UP YER AUL SINS, Juanita Wilson's THE DOOR, Steff Green's NEW BOY, Michael Creagh's THE CRUSH and Ruairí Robinson's FIFTY PERCENT GREY have all received Oscar nominations.
Following on from her Golden Globe nomination earlier this month Glenn Close has picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in ALBERT NOBBS and is up against Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams. Actress Janet McTeer (Into The Storm, Tumbleweeds) has been nominated in the Best Supporting Female category for her role as Hubert in the film while Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle have been nominated in the Best Make Up category for their work on the film.
The Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.