Two Irish shorts are nominated for Oscar

Two Irish shorts have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. Peter McDonald’s Pentecost and Terry George’s The Shore are among the five films now competing for the Oscar.

The final five were whittled down from 107 shorts that originally qualified in this category.

Pentecost, from writer/director Peter McDonald, tells the story of a young altar boy expected to serve at an important upcoming mass. He faces a difficult decision, and his choice could leave him at odds with his small community. The short stars Andres Bennett, Michael McElhatton (The Runway) and Don Wycherley (Bachelors Walk). The film was nominated for the Phillips Short Film Award at the IFTAs in 2011, and won Best Irish Short at the 2010 Cork Film Festival.

The Shore was written and directed by Terry George (Hotel Rwanda). It tells the story of Joe and Paddy, who were best friends when they were boys. Increasing conflict in Belfast destroys their friendship, and leads them down very different paths. After 25 years away, Joe returns to Belfast for the first time, accompanied by his 24-year-old daughter. He finds a lot has changed in his absence. The short stars Ciaran Hinds (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Conleth Hill (Perrier’s Bounty), Kerry Condon (This Must Be the Place) and Maggie Cronin (Doctors).

The 84th Academy Awards take place Sunday, February 26 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.