irishfilmtv.com

In a remarkable testament to her enduring talent, Saoirse Ronan has once again captured the spotlight at the 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, securing the prestigious British/Irish Performer of The Year award for her compelling performances in BLITZ and THE OUTRUN. Her portrayal in BLITZ sees her embodying Rita, a working-class single mother navigating the harrowing challenges of World War II alongside her 9-year-old son George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan, as they become separated during the German bombing campaign against the UK. In THE OUTRUN, adapted from Amy Liptrot’s poignant memoir, Ronan not only stars as a woman reconstructing her life after a decade-long battle with addiction but also took on a producer role alongside Sarah Brocklehurst, Dominic Norris, and Jack Lowden, showcasing her expanding influence in the industry.

The ceremony also celebrated emerging talent, with Rich Peppiatt earning the Breakthrough British/Irish Filmmaker award for his direction of KNEECAP. The film’s impact resonated throughout the awards, garnering nominations in several major categories including Film of The Year, Foreign-Language Film of The Year, and British/Irish Film of The Year. The momentum continues into the upcoming IFTA Awards, where both Ronan and Peppiatt have secured multiple nominations. Ronan’s dual nominations in the Lead Actress and Supporting Actress categories for THE OUTRUN and BLITZ respectively, along with Peppiatt’s nominations for Director and Script, underscore their significant contributions to cinema. KNEECAP leads the pack with an impressive 17 nominations, including Best Film, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting ceremony at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on February 14th, 2025. This latest recognition adds to Ronan’s illustrious career, which has previously seen her acclaimed for performances in BROOKLYN and LOST RIVER, consistently proving her versatility and mastery of her craft.