Saoirse Ronan has massively stuck up for the underfire IFTAs – insisting they are “just as good” as the Oscars.
The Carlow actress was nominated for Best Supporting Actress when she was just 13 for her role in Atonement alongside Keira Knightley.
Previously the IFTAs have been attacked repeatedly – especially after this year’s ceremony was laced with technical difficulties.
But the 20-year-old – who has attended the Academy Awards a number of times since – said the IFTAs can hold court with the world’s glitziest awards ceremony.
Just as good: Saoirse attending the most recent IFTAs | VIPIRELAND.COM
Asked how the IFTAs compare, she said: “It’s just as good, obviously, it’s like a huge wedding that everyone in the Irish film industry is invited to.”
She added: “It’s like The Godfather, basically. It’s like the Irish Godfather awards!”
However Saoirse admitted the Oscars are “definitely on a bigger scale than any other awards show” and in “another realm altogether”.
And the Hanna star admits her reaction to being nominated would be completely different now – after not really caring at the time, especially knowing she wouldn’t win.
No chance: Saoirse knew she wouldn’t win for role in Atonement | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I was 13, so I didn’t think about it. It would be different now as I’m more aware of how the industry works. It’s amazing to look back on,” she said.
“I think Atonement was a very important film for all involved. It was really exciting to be on a film set with people who have won like 12 Oscars, but I knew I wasn’t going to win.
“I just knew. I was in a category with Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett and Amy Ryan, so I knew one of them would win. But it was amazing to be in the front row at the Acadamy Awards with my parents.”
Support: Saoirse with her actor father Paul | VIPIRELAND.COM
And Saoirse told Wonderland magazine that one of the best moments at those Oscars wasn’t being nominated – but getting her mum to meet John Travolta.
“At one point John Travolta and his wife were in front of us. If I met him now, I’d be more excited because I love Saturday Night Fever and Grease so much.
“My mum went to see Saturday Night Fever at the cinema 27 times when it first came out – she’s obsessed. When they said hello to us, it absolutely made her night.”
