Ruth Negga, The Lobster and Consolata Boyle Head Irish Oscar Posse

Ruth Negga, the Irish Film Board-funded The Lobster and costume designer Constance Boyle are the top Irish hopefuls, following the announcement of the shortlist for this year’s Oscars earlier today.

That it has been another successful year for Irish talent – and for Irish films – is not in doubt. However, there will some disappointment that John Carney’s superb musical comedy Sing Street did not get a nod. from the Academy.

Irish actress Ruth Negga is nominated for Best Actress for her turn as Mildred Loving in Jeff Nichols’ Loving; Irish Film Board-funded film, The Lobster – which is produced by Element Pictures and stars Colin Farrell – is nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Meanwhile, Irish costume designer Consolata Boyle received a nomination in the Best Costume category for her work in Florence Foster Jenkins.

“I’m delighted to see a strong contingent of Irish Academy Award® nominees this year,” James Hickey, Chief Executive of the Irish Film Board said. "Huge congratulations to Ruth Negga and to Consolata Boyle on being recognised for their excellent work. Congratulations also to Element Pictures on their IFB supported film The Lobster being nominated in the Best Original Screenplay category.

"The Irish film industry is flourishing and a continued presence on the international awards circuit is evidence of this,” Hickey added. "The solid and continued investment in talent over the last number of years is paying off. Both Ruth and Consolata have built their careers on Irish and international productions and the amount of work it takes over a long period of time to earn this level of international recognition cannot be underestimated. We're very proud of all they have achieved.”

Ruth Negga’s Oscar nomination cements what has been an incredible year for the Irish star, who has been getting rave notices for her performance in Nichols’ heart-breaking film. Negga has already been nominated for a Best Actress Golden Globe and a BAFTA, following her presentation with the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival earlier this month. Ruth has previously starred in a number of IFB-funded films including, Noble (2015), Breakfast on Pluto (2005), Isolation (2005), Capital Letter (2005), Stars (2005) and 3-Minute-4-Play (2004).

Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster saw Irish actor Colin Farrell receiving immense critical praise for his performance as the lonely David in Lanthimos’ blackly funny love story. Filmed in Co.Kerry, the screenplay was written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimius Fillippou and the Oscar nomination comes after the writing duo were awarded the Best European Screenwriter award at the European Film Awards in December 2016.

Today’s announcement marks the second nomination for renowned Irish costume designer, Consolata Boyle. She was previously nominated in the same category in 2007 for, The Queen, starring Helen Mirren. On designing the costumes for Florence Foster Jenkins, Boyle revealed that she worked closely with the film’s star, Meryl Streep, to achieve the flamboyant eccentricities of Jenkins’ infamous style.

Other Irish interest at the awards will centre on Irish actor Art Parkinson, who stars in Kubo and the Two Strings, alongside Charlize Theron and Rooney Mara, which has been nominated in the Best Animated Feature-nominated film. Parkinson will star in forthcoming IFB-funded feature film, The Belly of the Whale featuring Pat Shortt.

The ceremony, which will take place in LA’s Dolby Theatre on February 26th, is the most hotly contested event in the awards-season calendar.