RONAN MCGREEVY writes in the Irish Times today, "IRISH OSCAR WINNER Richie Baneham is proof that the “fires of Irish talent continue to burn as bright as ever”, the Irish Film Board said yesterday.
Dublin-born Baneham’s win for best visual effects for Avatar put a gloss on what was a relatively disappointing night for Irish filmmakers, who won only one Oscar out of five nominations.
Film board chief executive Simon Perry said the Academy had honoured Irish film-makers with five nominations, “but for Richard to win an Oscar is international recognition at the highest level”. The Minister for Arts Martin Cullen also congratulated Baneham. The Minister described it as a “great personal success and a further recognition of the talent available in the Irish film industry”.
Maureen Conway, the principal of Ballyfermot College of Further Education said it was worth staying up until 5am this morning to watch Baneham win.
The Ballyfermot graduate, who attended his old alma mater just last week, acknowledged the influence of the college in his post-Oscar speech.
Conway said: “We had him pestered to mention us. We’re so delighted for him.”"
