Neeson presents SPIRIT OF IRELAND award

Neeson presents SPIRIT OF IRELAND award

Neeson presents SPIRIT OF IRELAND award

Two of Hollywood’s most respected actors shared a touching moment at the 25th annual Irish Arts Center Gala, where Liam Neeson (ABSOLUTION), an honorary chair of the New York City-based center, presented his dear friend Meryl Streep with the Spirit of Ireland Award. Their friendship, which blossomed after co-starring in the 1996 film , BEFORE AND AFTER, has endured for decades.

In accepting the honor (previously bestowed on Stephen Colbert), Streep, the most Oscar-nominated actor in history with 21 nominations and three wins, delved into her rich Irish heritage. She traced her lineage to her great-great-grandmother Grace Strain, who was born in County Donegal in the 1830s. Grace’s journey took her to Philadelphia at age 14, where she met her husband Manus McFadden, eventually leading to the family’s settlement in New Jersey, where Streep was born.

The award ceremony highlighted not only Streep’s impressive career but also her ongoing connection to Irish arts. She recalled her previous support of Irish culture, including her participation in a fundraising event for a Belfast arts center during the filming of MAMMA MIA in 2007.

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Irish Film

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ABSOLUTION in theatres Nov 1

ABSOLUTION in theatres Nov 1

ABSOLUTION in theatres Nov 1

Action star Liam Neeson takes a grittier turn in ABSOLUTION diverging from his recent string of thrillers to play a weathered Boston mob enforcer grappling with a degenerative brain condition.

At 72, Neeson continues to command the screen, though this role marks a departure from his usual righteous heroes in films like TAKEN and THE ICE ROAD. Here, he portrays an ex-boxer turned criminal whose violent past catches up with him through CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy).

“The role resonated deeply with me,” Neeson shared via Zoom, drawing parallels to his own boxing background in Northern Ireland from ages 9 to 17. “I’ve seen firsthand how this condition affects athletes, from ice hockey players to boxers I knew back home.”

The film, originally titled THUG, follows Neeson’s character as his mental deterioration forces him to confront his criminal legacy, including his role in sex trafficking and his estrangement from his daughter and grandson. “I wanted a stripped-down approach,” Neeson explained of his portrayal, describing his character’s ’70s-style leather jacket and distinctive mustache and sideburns.

While many of Neeson’s recent action roles, from MEMORY to BLACKLIGHT, have showcased his particular set of skills as a heroic figure, ABSOLUTION allows him to explore darker territory. The film places him firmly on the other side of the law, though his character ultimately seeks redemption.

Interestingly, Neeson expresses disappointment with the final title ABSOLUTION, feeling it tips the film’s hand regarding its Catholic themes of confession and forgiveness. “I much prefer THUG” he admitted, suggesting the simpler title better captured his character’s essence.

ABSOLUTION opens in theaters Friday, Nov 1.

F1 trailer released

 The final trailer for Apple TV+’s highly anticipated film F1 has arrived, showcasing Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a Formula 1 driver making a dramatic comeback to the sport he once abandoned. The trailer reveals an emotionally charged confrontation between Hayes and Kate, portrayed by Kerry Condon, who challenges his solitary approach to what she…

Continue Reading F1 trailer released

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From missing his high school prom in Dublin to rubbing shoulders with legends at star-studded events, Barry Keoghan’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Irish actor, whose name continues to be mispronounced despite his growing fame, recently reflected on his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom. Keoghan’s current career trajectory…

Continue Reading Barry Keoghan chats to Stephen Colbert

JAY KELLY gets Netflix release date

The entertainment world is buzzing with anticipation as Netflix prepares to release JAY KELLY, a self-described heartbreaking comedy that brings together Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Adam Sandler for the first time. While this powerhouse pairing alone would generate significant excitement, the film’s appeal is further enhanced by the inclusion of two rising Irish talents…

Continue Reading JAY KELLY gets Netflix release date

Dornan launches Blackthorn

Ireland’s film industry celebrates a milestone achievement as acclaimed actor Jamie Dornan and fellow Northern Irish talent Conor MacNeill announce the launch of their new production company, Blackthorn Films. The venture represents a homecoming for both performers who have risen to international prominence while maintaining deep connections to their native soil. Having first collaborated on…

Continue Reading Dornan launches Blackthorn

Liam Neeson in ABSOLUTION

Liam Neeson in ABSOLUTION

Liam Neeson in ABSOLUTION

Arriving in theatres Nov 1, Liam Neeson’s (RETRIBUTION) latest action flick is his first release of 2024. The Co. Antrim native stars as an aging gangster who attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, but the criminal underworld won’t loosen their grip willingly. Neeson stars alongside Ron Perlman in the action-packed thriller. Check out the trailer on our YouTube channel!

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F1 trailer released

 The final trailer for Apple TV+’s highly anticipated film F1 has arrived, showcasing Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a Formula 1 driver making a dramatic comeback to the sport he once abandoned. The trailer reveals an emotionally charged confrontation between Hayes and Kate, portrayed by Kerry Condon, who challenges his solitary approach to what she…

Continue Reading F1 trailer released

Barry Keoghan chats to Stephen Colbert

From missing his high school prom in Dublin to rubbing shoulders with legends at star-studded events, Barry Keoghan’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Irish actor, whose name continues to be mispronounced despite his growing fame, recently reflected on his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom. Keoghan’s current career trajectory…

Continue Reading Barry Keoghan chats to Stephen Colbert

JAY KELLY gets Netflix release date

The entertainment world is buzzing with anticipation as Netflix prepares to release JAY KELLY, a self-described heartbreaking comedy that brings together Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Adam Sandler for the first time. While this powerhouse pairing alone would generate significant excitement, the film’s appeal is further enhanced by the inclusion of two rising Irish talents…

Continue Reading JAY KELLY gets Netflix release date

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Ireland’s film industry celebrates a milestone achievement as acclaimed actor Jamie Dornan and fellow Northern Irish talent Conor MacNeill announce the launch of their new production company, Blackthorn Films. The venture represents a homecoming for both performers who have risen to international prominence while maintaining deep connections to their native soil. Having first collaborated on…

Continue Reading Dornan launches Blackthorn