Statement from President Michael D. Higgins - 2016 Oscar Nominations
Date: Thu 14th Jan, 2016 | 16:43
In recognising those nominated for an Oscar award this year, President Higgins said today:
"I am delighted to send my warmest congratulations to the Irish nominees on the occasion of the unprecedented strong Irish representation at the Oscars 2016.
This year's Oscars shortlist is a remarkable testimony of the vitality and diversity of the talent available to the Irish film industry. I want to welcome the recognition for talents such as that of Saoirse Ronan, nominated for Best Actress nomination for ‘Brooklyn’, Michael Fassbender, Best Actor nomination for ‘Steve Jobs’, Lenny Abrahamson, Best Director for ‘Room’ and Emma Donoghue, Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘Room’, ‘Room’ and ‘Brooklyn’ for Best Picture and Benjamin Cleary for Live Action Short "Stutterer".
To have Irish nominees represented in several categories indicates the depth of the international recognition for the talent that now exists.
Ireland has an accomplished film community, making us an attractive location. The Irish people are getting a great return from the investment in film in terms of first class highly skilled jobs and an enhanced international reputation".
"Comhartha aitheantais idirnáisiúnta den tallann is ann do thionscal na scannán in Éirinn is iad na hainmniúcháin sna catagóirí éagsúla.
Tá pobal na scannán in Éirinn éifeachtach ár gcur ar aghaidh mar shuíomh tarraingteach. Tá toradh maith á fháil ag muintir na hÉireann ar an infheistíocht a déanadh i dtionscal na scannán i dtéarmaí post den scoth do dhaoine ard-oilte agus ó thaobh chlú idirnáisiúnta méadaithe".