The nation of Ireland has a brief and unremarkable history in the International Feature Film competition at the Academy Awards. Beginning in 2007, they’ve submitted 8 features for consideration in the foreign race. Only one (2015’s Viva) made the shortlist and it did not make the final five.
In 2022, the Irish could finally get lucky with The Quiet Girl. The directorial debut from Colm Bairéad received raves after its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. That acclaim has continued as it has played other European fests. The drama set in the early 80s stars Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennett, Catherine Clinch, and Michael Patric.
There’s a bunch of viable hopefuls in IFF this year. Decision to Leave and All Quiet on the Western Front seem to be the favorites and there’s easily 10-12 others looking to fill three slots.
Ireland may not have the track record, but there’s a first time for everything and The Quiet Girl is capable of making a little noise with the right campaign. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…