Irish talent has swept the board in the BAFTA nominations with Colin Farrell earning his first in the leading actor category for The Banshees of Inisherin, one of a staggering 17 homegrown nods.
The Dublin native is nominated for his role in the black comedy-drama in which he stars alongside Brendan Gleeson. The film, set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, sees Farrell’s character devastated when his pal, played by Gleeson, puts an end to their life-long friendship.
However, 46-year-old Farrell will face tough competition as he is joined in the category by Austin Butler for Elvis, Brendan Fraser for The Whale, Paul Mescal for Aftersun, Bill Nighy for Living and Daryl McCormack for Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Paul’s sister Nell posted a photo of her brother shortly after his nomination was announced, while McCormack – who is also up for the Rising Star award – said he was “honestly floored” at the leading actor nomination.
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Oscar-winner Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees Of Inisherin has 10 nominations in total, including for Best Film. Kerry Condon is up for Best Supporting Actress, while Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan are both up for Best Supporting Actor.
The dark comedy is also nominated for best film, outstanding British film, original screenplay, original score and editing. Elsewhere, the hit Irish-language film An Cailin Ciuin has received nominations for Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Adapted Screenplay for its writer-director, Colm Bairead.
The heart-rending drama is based on the Claire Keegan book Foster. The film, which focuses on the story of Cait and her transformative visit to foster parents, has grossed €1million in the Irish-UK market.
The Wonder, nominated as outstanding British film, is an adaptation of Emma Donaghue’s 2016 novel, and it was a part Irish Element production which is set in rural Wicklow.
Black comedy An Irish Goodbye, which received a nomination for British short film, is set on a farm in the rural North and tells the story of two estranged brothers who are forced to reunite after their mother’s untimely death. And Irish special effects Oscar winner Richard Baneham is among the nominees for Special Visual Effects for his work on Avatar: The Way of Water.
Desiree Finnegan, Chief Executive at Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations to Colm Bairead and the creative team behind An Cailin Ciuin on today’s BAFTA nominations.
“We are so proud of the journey this film has undertaken, from its beginnings via the Cine4 scheme to the incredible audience response at home and around the world, breaking new ground for Irish-language film.
“We’re also delighted to see such incredible recognition for Irish acting talent, with nominations for Paul Mescal, Daryl McCormack, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon.”
Meanwhile, Netflix’s acclaimed World War One drama All Quiet On The Western Front – an adaptation of the 1928 novel by Erich Maria Remarque – leads the field with 14 nominations.
The 2023 Baftas ceremony at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall will be broadcast on BBC One on February 19.
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