The US-Ireland Alliance has announced the first honouree for the 18th annual Oscar Wilde Awards, which will be held on the 7th of March 2024, at Bad Robot — the production company of JJ Abrams and Katie McGrath. Two-time Academy Award-winning animator Richard Baneham, is set to be honoured at the upcoming ceremony, which celebrates "the creative Irish and introduces people in the entertainment world in Ireland to those in the US."

The 49-year-old Dubliner studied at Ballyfermot College of Art and Design, moving to Los Angeles in 1994 to work in the field of traditional animation. Richie then made the transition to CG and VFX, starting with The Iron Giant in 1999.

Through an illustrious career as a creative, Baneham has seen sustained renown and cultural recognition for his filmmaking efforts; working as animation supervisor for Lord Of The Rings the Two Towers and The Return of the King, as well as working on the Avatar franchise. he is also Executive Producer and 2nd Unit Director on the planned Avatar sequels. Baneham's other credits include Alita: Battle Angel and The Chronicles of Narnia the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

US-Ireland Alliance founder Trina Vargo said: “we’re delighted to honour Richie – not only is he creatively exceptional but he is also beloved in the industry as someone who has always remained connected to his colleagues and friends in the film and animation industries in Ireland."

The Oscar Wilde Awards typically honours three people, with more honourees set to be announced in the future...