On this day in 1950, Irish filmmaker Neil Jordan was born in Sligo. Jordan has made a name for himself in the film industry, having written and directed some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies in recent years, including having written the screenplay for Liam Neeson’s most recent movie MARLOWE. Jordan has received numerous accolades for his work, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for THE CRYING GAME.
BRIDGERTON and DERRY GIRLS star Nicola Coughlan has landed a major role in a new Channel 4 comedy.The Galway native is set to star as MAGGIE IN BIG MOOD (working title) alongside IT’S A SIN‘sLydia West, who will play her best friend Eddie. The six-part series is described as “vivacious and rebellious portrayal of female friendship when infiltrated by the complexities of a serious mental illness.” Announcing the news on her Instagram account, Nicola admitted that it’s been a “dream” of hers to work with show creator and longtime pal Camilla Whitehill.
Beloved Cork TV personality and author Graham Norton will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, it has been confirmed. The BBC announced the full presenting team on Wednesday, with Norton set to be joined on stage by singer Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. Comedian and former Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc will also be on hand to assist, with commentary provided by Scott Mills and Rylan.
With critical acclaim and awards now by his side, Barry Keoghan’s future looks promising. The actor is already part of the MCU and DC universes while continuously working with prestige directors in acclaimed awards darlings. Keoghan’s filmography is full of highly-rated movies, many of which are Certified Fresh on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Discover the 10 best movies from Keoghan’s impressive filmography below.
NORMAL PEOPLE plucked the Irish actor from anonymity, sparking a new global infatuation. Now, Nicole Kidman’s barging into his dressing room, Ridley Scott’s gift-wrapping GLADIATOR 2 for him and AFTERSUN has earned him a surprise Oscar nomination: “It’s been a f***ing wild year.”
Northern Ireland film AN IRISH GOODBYE has won best British short at the Baftas in London. It saw off THE BALLAD OF OLIVE MORRIS and A DRIFTING UP to triumph at the ceremony at the Southbank Centre. Directed and written by Ross White and Tom Berkeley, An Irish Goodbye tells a story of two estranged brothers who come together after their mother’s death.
ITV has released the first image of Niamh Algar in medical thriller MALPRACTICE, where she plays a doctor suspected of wrongdoing following the death of a patient. The series comes from the mind of former NHS doctor Grace Ofori-Attah, whose earlier television work includes Idris Elba sitcom In the Long Run, while directing duties are being handled by BAFTA nominee Philip Barantini (THE RESPONDER). The five-part drama follows Dr Lucinda Edwards (Algar) as she is investigated following the death of an opioid overdose victim named Edith Owusu (Sherelle Armstrong).
Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan were among the winners on a proud night for Irish cinema at the Bafta awards on Sunday. THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, which starred Condon and Keoghan, won four awards in all, including best original screenplay. Condon said that winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Banshees was “really surreal”.