Sher delight

Director Jim says Irish punch above weight after Oscars joy

- EXCLUSIVE BY SANDRA MALLON

DIRECTOR Jim Sheridan said “the Irish punch so hard above their weight” as he celebrated our 14 Oscar nominations yesterday.

Ireland enjoyed a record-breaking year, with The Banshees of Inisherin writer-director Martin McDonagh and its stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon all shortlisted.

Also getting the nod were Aftersun’s Paul Mescal and An Cailin Ciuin.

Sheridan – whose 1993 film In The Name Of The Father was nominated for seven awards at the 66th Oscars – said Mescal is a “special talent” but Farrell is the frontrunner to receive the gong for Best Actor.

He added: “I think Colin has a great chance. I think the problem for Paul Mescal is he is up against Colin.

Colin is a front runner. Paul Mescal is a special talent. Barry Keoghan is amazing. And Martin McDonagh, like for God sake, is he not one of the greatest writers? Like six plays on Broadway and three or four films nominated.