KILLARNEY’S Hollywood A-list actor Michael Fassbender has been granted membership of the elite Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Fossa movie star was automatically included after securing an Oscar nomination for his power-packed performance in 12 Years A Slave.
His co-star from that smash hit film, Lupita Nyong’o, has also been included as have Hollywood tough guy Jason Statham, Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, comedy actor Chris Rock and Cork born Cillian Murphy.
A number of other breakthrough stars from 2013, including Barkhad Abdi from Captain Phillips, June Squib from Nebraska and Hangover star Rob Riggle have also been welcomed by the Academy.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate film-makers working in our industry,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.
“Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world and we are proud to welcome them.”
The 6,146 members of the academy get to vote for Oscar nominations in their individual categories and for best picture.
Most candidates for membership are sponsored by current members in their respective category and each group then votes on the membership. People are automatically considered for membership if they win or are nominated for an Oscar.
Fassbender had a terrific year and, in addition to his role as brutal plantation owner Epps in 12 Years A Slave, he has also filmed music comedy Frank and period drama MacBeth and he is lined up to star in Prometheus 2 and X-Men: Apocalypse.
He is a regular visitor to his family home in Fossa, Killarney where his parents, Josef and Adele, still reside.
Congratulating Fassbender and Murphy on Friday, Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht Minister, Jimmy Deenihan, remarked: “Film is an international business and it is wonderful to see Irish actors doing so well on the world stage.
“The Irish film industry grew by over 18 per cent last year, and was up 42 per cent on 2011, contributing over €168 million to the Irish economy through job creation and spend on local goods and services.”
The minister said the government is currently developing incentives to make Ireland an even more competitive location for film internationally.
“Ireland’s reputation in the global industry is, of course enhanced, by the true talent of our great actors and I am delighted to see both Michael and Cillian receiving the deserved recognition of their peers,” he stated.
