Saoirse Ronan nominated for awards at home and abroad

The 13-year-old was nominated for a Golden Globe last month and has now been given the nod by the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) in their Best Supporting Actress and Rising Star categories. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Gaiety Theatre on February 17.

The Atonement actress is also up for gongs from the London Critics Circle, but the nomination categories - British Actress in a Supporting Role and British Breakthrough: Actress - have raised some eyebrows, with accusations of the age-old British tendency for claiming Irish successes raising their head.

Next week's issue of Hot Press will feature an Irish-exclusive interview with the young star and there'll also be an exclusive Q&A right here on Hotpress.com - watch this space!