The 2016 Awards Season has officially kicked off with Irish talent in the form of Saoirse Ronan and Michael Fassbender bringing home the bacon!
Brooklyn's Ronan won the 'International Star Award - Actress', which was presented to her by Paul Dano. Accepting the award, she kept things real, saying: "I know you’re all eating and would probably prefer to do that than listen to me, but tough." When she then admitted she wasn't sure what to say, she added: "I actually Googled Sandra Bullock’s speech from 2014... I Googled Meryl’s as well. Aim high when you’re in doubt."
She's been hotly tipped to receive her second Oscar nomination for the role at the upcoming Academy Awards (due to take place on February 28th. The list of nominations are set to be revealed on Thursday January 14th. Ronan was, of course, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Atonement in 2008. If her guna is doing it for you, it's by British designer Duro Olowu.
Meanwhile, Fassbender was honoured for his role as Steve Jobs by also landing Best International Star Award - Actor. Michael was handed his award by his co-star Kate Winslet. While accepting his gong, he said: "Kate just told me not to f*** this up."
According to the LA Times, Irish director Lenny Abrahamson and "young co-star Jacob Tremblay presented the Breakthrough Performance Award to Brie Larson for her role in 'Room.'
Other stars accepting awards on the night included Rooney Mara (Spotlight Award for 'Carol'); Helen Mirren, there to present to her 'Trumbo' co-star Bryan Cranston; while Johnny Depp was introduced for the Desert Palm Achievement Award. Ronan came back onstage to present the Desert Palm Achievement, Actress Award to Cate Blanchett for 'Carol', while Matt Damon accepted the Chairman’s Award.
