WILDE NIGHT
They’ll be celebrating the luck of the Irish early this year as actors, veteran filmmakers and rising stars gather for tonight’s Oscar Wilde awards ceremony.
Every year, the US-Ireland Alliance throws a pre-Oscar bash at the Ebell Theater to fete some of the most accomplished folks to hail from the Emerald Isle.
Seamus McGarvey, J.J. Abrams and Saoirse Ronan will top the bill at the swanky soiree. US-Ireland President Trina Vargo was thrilled with the 2010 choices. “We are very lucky to have these three very special honorees,” she said. “Seamus is an amazing talent with an incredible roster of feature films under his belt. He is in great company with J.J., a seasoned professional who has made his mark in virtually every facet of the business.”
As an acclaimed cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey was nominated for an Academy Award as well as a BAFTA for his work on “Atonement.” His other credits include “The Hours,” starring Nicole Kidman, and “The Soloist” with Robert Downey Jr. Jeffrey Jacob Abrams, who goes by “J.J.,” is a multi award-winning producer, screenwriter, director, actor and composer. Abrams is best known as the creator of hits like “Lost,” “Felicity” and “Alias.” As a feature film director, his impressive credits include “Mission Impossible” and the 2009 “Star Trek” flick.
Saoirse Ronan has been acting since the age of nine. She kicked off her career with roles in the Irish television series “The Clinic” and “Proof.” She went on to land bigger film parts starring with everyone from Catherine Zeta-Jones to Michelle Pfeiffer.
In 2007, she played opposite Keira Knightley in “Atonement.” She recently wrapped up filming on “The Way Back” with Bondman Daniel Craig and Malibu man of note Ed Harris.
The 15-year-old actress will receive the first ever “Wilde Card” award.
All three will be in good company on this “Oscar” role. Previous Oscar Wilde recipients include Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, music legend Van Morrison and “Hotel Rwanda” writer Terry George.
Vargo says it’s the perfect way to kick the award season into high gear. What’s more, the Irish bash often leaves Irish eyes smiling on the other Oscar night. “Academy Award nominees often feel the luck of the Irish from this event,” she said. “Kate Winslet was honored by the US-Ireland Alliance and went on to win an Oscar three nights later.”
Screenwriter Bill Monahan was also lauded by the group, then hit Oscar gold for “The Departed.”
The evening is being emceed by National Book Award winner Colum McCann, and wraps up with a special musical presentation. With all this starry talent in one room, there’ll be good reason to go Wilde.
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