John C. Reilly Honored With Oscar Wilde Award

Yahoo

01-03-2025

Will Ferrell let the throngs mingling over Guiness and chippies at the historic Ebell Los Angeles for the annual US-Ireland Alliance's Oscar Wilde Awards in on a little secret as he presented his comedy costar bestie with the honor this week. "Did you touch my drum set?" the iconic line from "Step Brothers" was inspired by Reilly's childhood on the heavily Irish south side of Chicago, an upbringing that his friend described as growing up with "roving gangs of hooligans from large families." The drum set line was a real-life squabble Reilly had with his real-life brother and like so much of the spiky wit the duo share on screen it became one of the many improvised moments mined for comedic gold over the span of their long careers, Ferrell told the crowd. 'All the gifts that historically have come out of Irish society radiate from John," Ferrell said.In his acceptance speech, tinged with misty-eyed passion, Reilly spoke about his love of the Irish people. "What really stands out to me at this moment is their love of democracy and their common decency.… Someone more eloquent than me once said, a nation's greatness is measured by the care they give to the most vulnerable. That's how you make a country great. You put your beliefs to work. That's what the Irish do."He referenced the obstacles that Oscar Wilde, who was prosecuted for gross indecency for his affair with another man, overcame to give the world lyrical lines like,'we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking up at the stars," even as the powerful tried to crush his voice. "Oscar dying penniless in a cheap French hotel may make it appear to some that the Establishment succeeded in destroying him," Reilly said in a trembling voice. "But his work lives on and tells another story of resilience, survival and brilliance. It lives on and it continues to inspire us…. And I doubt anyone today is receiving an award named after one of those who tried to break him.'In a moment of characteristic, well, Irish humility, Reilly did not mention his own ongoing struggle. The actor is among the thousands who lost homes in the Eaton fire that ripped through Altadena in January, devouring miles of the picturesque community and killing 17 of its residents from a historically black neighborhood near Lake Avenue.Other honorees included prolific film producer Kathleen Kennedy, whose work on 70 films has garnered 120 Academy Award nominations, including "Star Wars," which was shot in Ireland, and her husband, the director Frank Marshall. Kennedy spoke about how she is consistently grilled about whether she is one of the Kennedys, referencing the political dynasty from Massachusetts, her lineage doesn't include that clan, but still she manages to embrace their fighting "Irish spirit."
"It's the resilience, creativity, and love of storytelling that has left a lasting impression on me. So tonight, let's celebrate the power of collaboration, the friendships we continue to build, and the incredible contributions of Irish artists, filmmakers, and visionaries," Kennedy said before bringing her husband to the stage. Marshall, who is now an honorary Irishman, quickly quipped: "if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough.'Macdara Kelleher, a founder of Wild Atlantic Pictures presented the Wilde Card Award to Éanna Hardwicke. Kelleher produced the upcoming film "Saipan" in which Hardwicke plays Irish soccer legend, Roy Keane.The award ceremony is intentionally planned for Oscar week and in attendance was were Northern Ireland editor, Nick Emerson, who is nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Film Editing for "Conclave," and the Irish producers of the film "The Apprentice," Ruth Treacy and Julianne Ford, of Tailored Films. Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen execs Desiree Finnegan, Andrew Reid, and Steven Davenport were seen speaking with a number of film executives in the room about opportunities for production on the island.On the television side, the writers of the acclaimed FX series centered on the true story of two sisters who joined the IRA, "Say Nothing," Joshua Zetumer, Kirsten Sheridan and Clare Barron, were among a slew of entertainment industry bold faced names. The casual dress gala is a favorite for a reason. Guests enjoyed Irish favorites like Wilde Irish Gin's signature cocktail – a Wilde Irish Coffee, mini mugs of Irish stew, fish & chips, and a mashed potato bar paired with Five Farms Irish Cream or Writers Tears Whiskey.
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