Farrell, Byrne Are Big Winners At The Golden Globes

Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has congratulated Irish actors Gabriel Byrne and Colin Farrell on winning Golden Globe Awards at the 66th Golden Globe Awards ceremony held last night in Los Angeles.

Gabriel Byrne received an award in the category 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series' (Drama) for his role as a psychoanalyst in the critically acclaimed American medical drama 'In Treatment', while Colin Farrell's award, in the category 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture' (Musical or Comedy) went to him for his role in the film 'In Bruges'.

Minister 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.

"I would like to congratulate both actors on their success and I am sure their personal achievements last night will be welcomed by all in the Irish film industry."

He added: "I would also like to acknowledge Irish actors Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Brendan Gleeson who also received best actor nominations in addition to playwright Martin McDonagh, who wrote and directed 'In Bruges' - which was nominated for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.

"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."

Speaking about Irish film and television production, Minister Cullen said: "Of all the forms of culture, film and television reaches potentially one of the widest audiences and is a vitally important part of establishing and shaping our image and reputation abroad.

"Recent enhancements by Government to the Section 481 tax relief scheme - which includes an increase in the individual investor cap for those wishing to invest in film in Ireland to €50,000 per annum with a 100% relief on that investment - will allow the Irish film sector compete internationally to bring major inward investment productions to Ireland, while strengthening indigenous film and TV production."

Jonathan Rhys Meyers' nomination was also in the category for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Television series' (Drama); he was nominated for his role in the Canadian/ Irish co-production 'The Tudors'.

Brendan Gleeson was also nominated in the category for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture' (Musical or Comedy) for his part in 'In Bruges.' Danny Boyle who was born in into a working-class Irish Catholic family Radcliffe, Lancashire won the award in the category 'Best Director - Motion Picture' for his movie, 'Slumdog Millionaire'.