It has been a massive year for Irish film, with the work of people in this part of the world rightly being recognised during the ongoing award season.
There were 12 Irish nominations for this year's Oscars, with Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Kerry Condon Paul Mescal, and Martin McDonagh all being nominated for individual gongs. As well as that, Banshees of Inisherin and Cáilín Cúin are also in the mix for awards.
While it would be fantastic to see each of those names honoured, few would bering more satisfaction to the Irish public than the success of Barry Keoghan.
The Dubliner's story is well-known at this stage, going through a difficult upbringing during which he lost his mother at a young age and spent a number of years living in different foster homes.
His acting career has gone from strength to strength over the last decade, with the 30-year old now receiving some long overdue recognition for his work.
Barry Keoghan praised for BAFTA acceptance speech
Barry Keoghan was handed the BAFTA for best supporting actor at the awards ceremony last night for his performance in Banshees of Inisherin, with his acceptance speech perfectly summing up the man. He would thank everyone involved in the film, before going on to send a message of hope to the next generation.
Barry Keoghan thanks Ireland for his BAFTA ❤️🍀 #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/SsDqX5EGkv
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 19, 2023
I should have planned this really! I've got a list here I've got to thank, Martin [McDonagh], thank you.
I'm going to fly through this because I'm quite nervous. Martin, Colin [Farrell], Brendan [Gleeson], Kerry [Condon], the cast and crew, producers, Fox Searchlight, Ireland.
This is for my son Brando, for my mother. It's also for the kids that I'm dreaming to be something in the area that I came from, this is for you.
What a man.
Unsurprisingly, there was a huge amount of praise for him after last night's ceremony.
@BarryKeoghan showing that keeping the head down and working hard can get you places that you once dreamed of. Proud of this man.He is a role model to all from all backgrounds in life an all around the world, but the biggest role model to our community, DreamBig Believe 💙💚🇮🇪 https://t.co/BDPmqEHNU9
— Kellie Harrington (@Kelly64kg) February 20, 2023
To the next generation, let them know no dream is too big! What a moment for him https://t.co/7dThOv3x18
— Calvin O'Brien (@CalvinOBrien1) February 19, 2023
You can say so so much in 30 seconds. 👏☘️ https://t.co/RQ52tLUnKX
— Conor Winkle 🇺🇦🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@conorwinkle) February 19, 2023
I spent 10 great years working with kids in the care system, they were "the kids that dream to be someone" just like @BarryKeoghan
He's an inspiration to every child in care who believes they're not good enough, you are & you can be#EEBAFTAs https://t.co/aVif0FKqkE— Mark Smyth (@psychpolis) February 19, 2023
What a man. https://t.co/XYBnEyc3W5
— Thomas Carty🇮🇪 (@thomas_carty) February 20, 2023
A lesson in developing and nurturing the potential in people , no matter the circumstances, the background, everyone deserves a chance . A stunning human this young man . https://t.co/w6WdifPBWi
— Patrick M Barrett (@Arrivalists_) February 19, 2023
Inspirational to any young kid from this area looking for a role model ☘️
Flying the flag for the working class
Personally I take so much inspiration from people like Barry that are killing it https://t.co/Cmp0Nz8kMv— Emmet Brennan OLY (@emmetbrennan91) February 19, 2023
Congratulations to @BarryKeoghan on winning his #BAFTA2023 , so beautiful to hear him dedicate his award to his son, his mother and " the kids that are dreaming to be something from the area that I came from" #anythingispossible #fostercarers pic.twitter.com/8iJ2BjGRZS
— Origins Foster Care (@Foster_Origins) February 20, 2023
Brilliant to see the incredibly talented, care-experienced @BarryKeoghan win a BAFTA. “For the kids that are dreaming to be something from the area that I came from, this is for you”.#MondayMotivation https://t.co/70f5QQpViu
— Katharine Sacks-Jones (@KatharineSJ) February 20, 2023
I’m not going to lie, I got a tiny bit emotional seeing my gifted friend @BarryKeoghan receive his first BAFTA last night. This man isn’t just one of the most talented actors I’ve ever seen, he’s also the kindest spirit & most giving person you could hope to encounter. #BAFTA pic.twitter.com/q2Moks2n8W
— Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) February 20, 2023
The legend Barry Keoghan wins the Best Supporting Actor award at the BAFTAs! 👏👏😃😃👏👏
What a film. What a bloke. I wish more great things for this man ❤️ https://t.co/aP52hxRwZe— Kevin Doyle (@kevindwriter) February 20, 2023
Banshees of Inisherin would win four awards at last night's ceremony, Kerry Condon winning best supporting actress and Martin McDonagh getting the best screenplay award. The film would also be named as 'best British film', a category it was eligible for after being produced by a British company.
Here's hoping that there are more awards coming for Irish filmmakers in the weeks ahead.
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