An Irish Goodbye won the Oscar for Best Short Film at the Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday night. In one of the moments of the night at the ceremony, the Dolby Theatre sang Happy Birthday to one of the film's stars, James Martin.
Set in Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye sees two estranged brothers - Lorcan played by Martin, and Turlough, played by Seamus O'Hara - reunited on the family farm following the death of their mother.
The film was written and directed by Ross White and Tom Berkeley.
'An Irish Goodbye' is taking home the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film! #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/hXZrfyCbq4
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023
"Thank you so much for the Academy for this incredible, incredible honour. Thank you to everyone back home in Northern Ireland who helped us make this film," White said on stage.
Berkley then teed up the theatre to serenade Martin.
"This award is actually the second most important thing about today because it's this man's birthday," said Berkley.
"He's out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard print suit jacket. We'd love to use the rest of our time up here to sing for James."
Oscars sings Happy Birthday to James Martin
Magic moment at the Oscars as An Irish Goodbye wins Best Short Film and the theatre sings Happy Birthday for one of its stars, James Martin! He turned 31 on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/9VdiPTw87d
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 13, 2023
Prior to the ceremony, Martin - who was born with Down Syndrome - described the timing as "perfect".
"You know, you can’t plan somebody’s birthday to be on the Oscars," said Martin, who hails from Belfast.
"So it’s a big day, (but) I just want to enjoy it really, just enjoy the experience.
"I mean, it’s not every day that you go to LA for the Oscars."
He previously appeared in the film Up and Downs, and the ITV series Marcella.
An Irish Goodbye is available to watch on the RTÉ Player.
The #Oscars audience wishes happy birthday to “An Irish Goodbye” star James Martin. https://t.co/O173fEk6t6 pic.twitter.com/Fn019NXeur
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) March 13, 2023
See Also: American Show Heavily Criticised For 'Drunk' Caricatures Of Colin Farrell & Brendan Gleeson
