Ruth Negga won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California on Sunday.
After missing out on an Academy Award nomination last month, the Ethiopian-Irish actress had plenty to celebrate this weekend as she beat fellow Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who was also nominated, to take home the gong for her role in Rebecca Hall’s acclaimed drama Passing.
Accepting the award via video link, Limerick-raised Negga gushed: "My cheeks hurt because I can't stop smiling.
"This is a really lovely honour.”
The actress, 40, who is set to appear in Macbeth opposite Daniel Craig on Broadway later this month, added: “I am sorry I can't be there. I am rehearsing for a play. I would just like to share this with the entire cast and crew of Passing.
"Nothing can be created in isolation - without anybody else. We create in solidarity with others. This is an award for all of us. I am so proud of being part of such a beautiful film."
She went on to show her support for Ukraine following Russia's invasion, saying: "I would like to express my solidarity with the peoples of Ukraine."
The Independent Spirit Awards are annual awards dedicated to independent filmmakers.
Passing also won for Best Cinematography at the star studded ceremony, whilst Negga was also a winner with the London Film Critics Circle and the National Society of Film Critics.
Both Negga and fellow leading Irish actress Buckley are also set to go head to head in the Best Supporting Actress category for this weekend's Bafta Awards in the UK.
Kerry native Buckley will then go on to compete for an Oscar on March 27th for her highly applauded role in Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Lost Daughter.
