The Oscar Wilde Awards, hosted annually by the US-Ireland Alliance, returns to Los Angeles to honor the Irish in entertainment on February 27th. The Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the US and Ireland, holds the awards during the run up to the Academy Awards to provide an opportunity for people in the entertainment community in Ireland and Northern Ireland to meet their counterparts in LA. The casual, intimate party has long appealed to industry insiders. Its unfussy tone and often hilarious and irreverent speaking program makes the awards unconventional Oscars week fare.
Watch Temple of Geek’s Interview with Cillian Murphy at Last Year’s Oscar Wilde Awards:
Both Industry Legends and Rising Stars to be Honored at Oscar Wilde Awards
This year, the US-Ireland Alliance chose to honor four creatives from Ireland or with Irish heritage for cultural contributions. “Winning Time” star and Irish-American actor John C. Reilly will receive his honor from longtime collaborator and fellow Irish-American Will Ferrell. The pair last appeared on screen together in the Sherlock Holmes comedy Holmes and Watson.
In addition to Reilly, Lucasfilm president and executive producer of “The Mandalorian” Kathleen Kennedy will receive an honor, along with her producer husband Frank Marshall. “The Irish are known as being great storytellers, and you can’t find two greater storytellers, in the history of filmmaking, than Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall.” US-Ireland Alliance founder Trina Vargo said in a statement.
Kathleen Kennedy (President, Lucasfilm)
Rounding out the quartet of honorees is rising star Éanna Hardwicke. Hardwicke appeared in the film William Tell and the series “A Very Royal Scandal” in 2024. Up next, he’ll play legendary Irish soccer player Roy Keane in Saipan alongside Steve Coogan.
Casual Awards a Favorite Among Oscar Week Activities
Along with the honorees, other industry heavyweights are set to attend. They include actress Alice Eve, “The Mandalorian” director and filmmaker Rick Famuyiwa, and actor/producer David Oyelowo. This year’s Oscar Wilde Awards will take place at the The Ebell of Los Angeles where honorees and guests will walk the “green carpet”.
