It’s Hollywood’s grand weekend, with the Oscars set to occur on Sunday. Last night, as has become tradition, film stars and producers graced the Green Carpet at the Oscar Wilde Awards, an event celebrating the Irish presence in Hollywood, benefiting the US Ireland Alliance and its scholarship fund.
This year, however, Hollywood feels unsettled, following the fires that devastated Los Angeles last month and the return of President Donald Trump, who is not a fan of much of the film industry. The atmosphere is noticeably more subdued – even restrained – than in previous years.
The day began with the shocking news about the unusual circumstances surrounding the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, adding to the sense of oddness permeating Tinseltown this year.
The wildfires did not damage the primary studios or technical facilities that provide cinemas, streamers, and broadcasters with entertainment throughout the year. However, many individuals working in the industry lost their homes: some stars, yes, but primarily craftspeople, technicians, musicians, and riggers – the everyday heroes who create the extraordinary. They are among the thousands now living in hotels and temporary accommodations.
Yet, the show must go on. From an Irish viewpoint, the opening act is the Oscar Wildes, which is celebrating its 20th year.
Among those honored that night were influential producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, alongside actors John C. Reilly and Éanna Hardwicke. Their awards were presented by Reilly’s friend and co-star Will Ferrell, talent agent Hylda Queally, and film producer Macdara Kelleher.
We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that may set cookies on your device and collect data regarding your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences
Kelleher, a co-founder of Wild Atlantic Pictures, presented the Wilde Card Award to Éanna Hardwicke. Kelleher produced the upcoming film “Saipan,” in which Hardwicke portrays soccer legend Roy Keane.
Kelleher praised Hardwicke as a brilliant and fearless actor. From the stage, Hardwicke expressed his admiration for Reilly and Ferrell, recalling how he grew up watching them in “Step Brothers,” joking that quoting the movie was how he and his brother communicated.
Hardwicke mentioned that he had coveted the Wilde Card award for quite some time, feeling honored to be among past recipients like Saoirse Ronan, Eve Houston, and Barry Keoghan.
In an interview with RTÉ News, he stated: “Yes, I played Roy Keane – a sentence I never thought I’d say.” He described the experience of portraying Keane as “a real privilege – I loved it, I had a great time.”
He recently finished shooting a film about the Northern Bank robbery and will soon take the stage in New York in a production of “The Cherry Orchard.”
During the award presentation for Kathleen Kennedy, talent agent Hylda Queally recounted their first meeting in 1989, shortly after she arrived from Ireland.
She noted that there was a booklet called the Hollywood Directory, detailing the who’s who of Hollywood: “I thought it might be wise to find someone with an Irish name, preferably a woman, to help me navigate Hollywood. And look who I happened to discover.”
Queally acknowledged, “Kathy is a producer who, for over four decades, has made remarkable contributions to storytelling, shaping our film experiences.”
“She has produced some of the most iconic and cherished stories of our generation, either by producing or executive producing over 70 feature films, which have collectively earned 120 Academy Award nominations.”
Kathy Kennedy shared memories of her collaborations, including filming “Star Wars” with J.J. Abrams in An Daingean (Dingle) and on Sceilg Mhichíl, emphasizing that “working with Liam Neeson on ‘Schindler’s List’ was a highlight of my career.”
Referencing Oscar Wilde’s founder Trina Vargo’s previous role as an advisor to Senator Ted Kennedy, Kennedy remarked, “Around the same period, Trina was helping to bring Gerry Adams to Washington while I was collaborating with Jim Sheridan and Terry George on a project that, regrettably, never made it to the screen.
“Yet, the friendships formed through that collaboration are ones I’ve always cherished. Regardless of whether a film is completed, the experience is always educational.
“Before working with Jim and Terry, my knowledge of the Troubles and Ireland’s complex history was minimal. They provided a perspective that has stayed with me ever since.”
Trina Vargo expressed that the event inspired director J.J. Abrams to film “Star Wars” on Sceilg Mhichíl.
She also highlighted the legacy of Irish animation, announcing an upcoming project with Cartoon Saloon.
In conclusion, she remarked, “There is undeniably something about the Irish spirit. It’s the resilience, creativity, and storytelling passion that have impressed me deeply. So tonight, let us celebrate the power of collaboration, the friendships we continue to nurture, and the remarkable contributions of Irish artists, filmmakers, and visionaries.”
“The stories we share are important, and the connections we form will shape the future of storytelling in ways we cannot yet foresee.”
Kennedy introduced her husband, accomplished producer and director Frank Marshall, now considered an honorary Irishman. Marshall shared the saying, “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough.”
Marshall informed RTÉ News about his upcoming “Jurassic World” film set to release in July – part of a franchise originally produced by his wife, beginning with “Jurassic Park,” which she handed over to him 13 years ago.
Will Ferrell presented the Oscar Wilde Award to John C. Reilly, stating, “All the gifts historically emerging from Irish society radiate from John.”
He reflected on Reilly’s extensive body of work, which includes “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “The Aviator,” “Chicago,” and “The Hours.”
Will Ferrell humorously noted their time working together and the near misses of their collaborations, including when John opted for “The Gangs of New York” instead of “Anchorman.”
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Reilly expressed his deep love for Ireland and his upbringing in the predominantly Irish south side of Chicago. He remarked, “While you present me this award tonight, you’ve already given me so much.”
He reflected on what he has learned from the Irish, noting, “What stands out to me is their commitment to democracy and common decency… Someone more eloquent than I once stated that a nation’s greatness is gauged by the care it extends to its most vulnerable. That’s how you build a great country. You act upon your beliefs. That’s what the Irish embody.”
Speaking of Oscar Wilde’s vulnerability, he stated, “Those in power who lacked the confidence to trust in the truth of love sought to obliterate him. Oscar dying penniless in a cheap French hotel may lead some to believe that the establishment succeeded in extinguishing him.
“Yet his work endures and tells another tale of resilience, survival, and brilliance. It lives on to continually inspire us, and I doubt anyone receiving an award named after one of those who sought to break him is here today.”
Also in attendance was Northern Ireland editor, Nick Emerson, nominated for an Academy Award this weekend for Best Film Editing for “Conclave.”
Éanna Hardwicke was among those celebrated that evening.
Also present were Irish producers of “The Apprentice,” Ruth Treacy and Julianne Ford of Tailored Films.
The film, chronicling young Donald Trump’s relationship with the infamous New York lawyer Roy Cohn, received support from Screen Ireland.
Sebastian Stan, portraying Trump, has been nominated for Best Actor, while Jeremy Strong, as Cohn, earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Executives from Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen, including Desiree Finnegan, Andrew Reid, and Steven Davenport, were seen discussing production opportunities on the island with several film executives present.
Vargo mentioned that the event was pivotal for director J.J. Abrams in bringing “Star Wars” to Sceilg Mhichíl in Ireland, with strong support from Lucasfilm President Kathy Kennedy.
Regarding plans for an upcoming “Star Wars” film centered on Daisy Ridley’s character, Vargo expressed: “We all hope that Rey will revisit the planet Ahch-To.”
Kathleen Kennedy shared her fond memories of staying in Dingle during the “Star Wars” shoot on the Skelligs, particularly enjoying the fresh fish each evening.
Irish singers Lenii and Eiza Murphy performed following the speeches. Among the audience were several Disney Music Group executives. Also in attendance were the writers of the Disney/FX series “Say Nothing” – Joshua Zetumer, Kirsten Sheridan, and Clare Barron. The series, adapted from New York Times journalist Patrick Radden Keeffe’s book, explores the lives of the Price Sisters, Gerry Adams, and Jean McConville.
Sheridan informed RTÉ News that she is developing a project to bring the life of ‘Pirate Queen’ Grace O’Malley to the screen, highlighting her encounter with Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Among those stepping onto the green carpet were former Oscar Wilde Award recipients Richie Baneham (double Academy Award winner for the “Avatar films”) and Sarah Bolger. Frankie Shaw, returning from directing Liam Neeson in “4 Kids Walk Into A Bank,” was also present, along with Thaddea Graham from “Bad Sisters,” Eoin Macken, Matt Walsh, Aisha Tyler & Emmett Hughes, Kevin Ryan, Alice Eve, Samantha Mumba, Nick McCarthy, and Glen Keogh.
