Saoirse Ronan has revealed that she feels “incredibly grateful” after receiving her third Oscar nomination.
The Irish actress is nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in Lady Bird, alongside Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Margot Robbie (I, Tonya) and Meryl Streep for (The Post).
This is Saoirse’s third Oscar nomination – she was previously nominated for her role in Brooklyn back in 2016, and was nominated for her part in Atonement back in 2008.
In a statement, Saoirse said, “To have been a part of a film like Lady Bird was a true privilege and I am incredibly grateful to the Academy for recognizing this wonderful story about the beauty and strength of women.”
“I am especially thrilled to share this moment with Laurie Metcalf and our leader and director Greta Gerwig, who, like Lady Bird, is an incredible woman and a dear friend.”
Laurie Metcalf, who plays Saoirse’s mother in Lady Bird, has also been nominated in the best Supporting Actress category.
Speaking about her nod, Laurie said, “What a morning. I’m thrilled to be recognized with the incredible actresses in my category, and am grateful to the Academy for this amazing honor. Congrats to our fearless leader Greta and my ‘Lady Bird’ Saoirse Ronan for their nominations as well!”
Meanwhile, Greta Gerwig became the fifth woman ever to be nominated in the Best Director category, and she was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
Speaking about the honour, Greta said, “This is an unbelievable honor and I am beside myself with joy and gratitude. The entire team who made Lady Bird poured their heart and soul into it, and I am so deeply grateful to the Academy for their recognition.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of my brilliant women who led the cast, Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, and I am so thrilled that they were nominated for their beautiful performances.
“I am struggling to find the words to express how much the nomination for best director and best screenplay means to me — in a year where there are so many brilliant films by so many of my heroes of cinema — all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she added.
The film has also been nominated in the all-important Best Picture category. Lady Bird will hit Irish cinemas on February 23rd.
The 90th Academy Awards ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 4 in Los Angeles, where comedian Jimmy Kimmel return to reprise his role as Oscars host.
