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.

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.

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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