Oscar-winner Brenda Fricker has warned Ruth Negga about “sour grapes”, after being nominated for an Academy Award.
The Dubliner, who won a prestigious Oscar back in 1990 for her role in My Left Foot, wished Ruth, who has been nominated for Best Actress for her role as Mildred in civil rights biopic Loving, the best of luck ahead of the awards next month.
Speaking to the Irish Sun, Brenda said, “I wish her huge buckets of luck and hope she wins. About time my record was broken!
“Her life will change, her cheques will be bigger and her choices will be so much better. I couldn’t wish her more luck.”
The 71-year-old nabbed an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, for her role as the mum of Christy Brown in My Left Foot, but admitted that she didn’t get the best reception from her peers – and other award-winners have had similar problems.
“I hope she [Ruth] gets a better reception from her peers for being nominated — which is huge — or indeed for winning than I did, because winning the biggest prize deserves joyful celebration.
“The Irish people were glorious! Stunning in their pride and joy, they cried openly and so did I, but… I’ve had sour grapes whispered at me. I was hurt.”
“I could mention three other Oscar winners – English – who told me they felt as if they were a criminal the way their peers treated them.”
Honoured: Ruth has been nominated for Best Actress at this year’s Oscars | FOCUS FEATURES
The retired actress, also known for her role in Home Alone 2, also dished out some advice for 35-year-old Ruth.
“My best advice, and it is the honest one, is that talent is the last thing she needs to hit the heights.
“Talent is two-a-penny all around you. She needs good health, a streak of steel to spot the others around her who disguise it as ‘ambition’ and a tough heart. Trust nobody. Prepare for loneliness and be tough enough to handle it,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ruth has admitted that she’s “truly humbled” by the Oscar nod.
