13/01/2009

Following the British and Irish wins at the 66th annual Golden Globe Awards, the powers that be have come out in support of the winners.

UK Film Council CEO John Woodward said, ‘British films and talent have dominated this year’s Golden Globe awards, marking an outstanding start to 2009 and we congratulate all the award-winners on their success. Slumdog Millionaire [+see also:
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trailer
interview: Danny Boyle
film profile]’s full house and the awards for In Bruges [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and blockbuster The Dark Knight are a testament to the range of films that the UK can produce. The Globes have also put the spotlight on female British acting talent with Kate Winslet’s achievements and Sally Hawkins’s award for Happy-Go-Lucky [+see also:
trailer
film profile], supported by our Premiere Fund, following her New York Film Critics’ Circle award last week.”

Ireland is celebrating Colin Farrell’s win in the film category and also veteran actor Gabriel Byrne’s win in the television category where he picked up Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical and Best Actor in a TV series.

Irish Film Board CEO Simon Perry said, “We’re delighted to see Colin Farrell and Gabriel Byrne receive this recognition at the highest level of their profession.”

Irish Minister for Arts Martin Cullen said, “Gabriel Byrne and Colin Farrell are both wonderfully charismatic actors and their success in winning Golden Globes, which are such significant international awards, are indicative of their immense talent and versatility as artists.”

He added, “It was an auspicious night in America for innovative Irish talent and it demonstrates that we have some of the best international artists whose individual creative ability continues to occupy centre stage.”