Winners revealed at the Oscar Wilde awards in Los Angeles with Studio Ulster as gold sponsor

Northern Ireland virtual production studio complex, Studio Ulster, was the gold sponsor for this year’s 18th annual Oscar Wilde Awards.

Held in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, the star-studded event, organised by the US-Ireland Alliance, honoured the achievements of Irish and Irish American acting talent in Hollywood.

Filmmaker James Cameron and Northern Irish actress Roma Downey were presenters for the evening. Irish stars Pierce Brosnan, Molly Shannon and Richard Baneham graced the green carpet and were among those celebrated for their contributions to the film, television and theatre industry.

The event embraced Irish culture with a selection of iconic treats including Taytos, Guinness, whiskey and Wilde Irish Gin all served on the night.

Breaking into Hollywood, Professor Declan Keeney co-founder and CEO of Studio Ulster also mingled with Irish actors Cillian Murphy, Lily Rabe, Jane Seymour and Samantha Mumba.

With its state-of-the-art 75,000 ft² facilities and £72 million investment, Studio Ulster is positioned as a key contender for securing contracts with major production companies worldwide.

On the night, James Cameron, the director behind Avatar, presented Richard Baneham with his award. A two-time Academy Award-winning VFX Supervisor, Baneham is known for his work on both Avatar and Avatar: Way of Water. 

Roma Downey, a Co Derry native, presented Pierce Brosnan with his first Oscar Wilde. On stage, Molly Shannon also received her award, recognised for her work on Saturday Night Live.

Professor Declan Keeney, said: "I am delighted to be representing Studio Ulster as a Gold Sponsor for the esteemed 18th annual Oscar Wilde Awards here in Los Angeles.

"This high-profile event, leading up to the Oscars on Sunday evening, is a fantastic celebration of cinema and film production on the island of Ireland, north and south. Some of the best talent in Ireland is here at the Oscar Wilde Awards, we have had A-listers right through to those starting in their career.

“Studio Ulster is a large city deal project that is generating significant excitement here in Hollywood. At Belfast Harbour, we are currently building out one of the most sophisticated virtual production studios in Europe, if not globally at this present time.

"This breakthrough technology allows for the creation of immersive worlds within Belfast's studios, opening doors to larger and more ambitious film projects. Hollywood is taking notice of this cutting-edge approach, as it is the latest technology used here in the USA. We are hoping to leave LA with some brilliant connections and having inspired some of the major clients which will bring substantial contracts to Northern Ireland, offering employment and opportunities within the creative industries for local people.”