Oscar nominees Cillian Murphy and the Irish crew of Poor Things have departed for Hollywood ahead of the awards ceremony this weekend.
Murphy is nominated for Best Actor for his role in Oppenheimer while Irish-produced Poor Things has been nominated for 11 Academy Awards, the highest number ever received by an Irish-produced film.
The nominees travelled with Aer Lingus on flight EI 069 to Los Angeles ahead of the event on Sunday.
Among those who travelled today are renowned cinematographer Robbie Ryan and other Element Pictures talent who are nominated for their work on Poor Things starring Emma Stone, who is also nominated for Actress in a Leading Role.
It is the first time Murphy has been nominated in the prestigious awards. He is up against Bradley Cooper, Colman Domingo, Paul Giamatti and Jeffery Wright.
The Cork actor has been universally praised by critics for his compelling portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Jewish scientist who developed the atomic bomb during World War II.
Dubliner Robbie Ryan is nominated for Best Cinematography on Poor Things.
“Aer Lingus is honoured to play a part in this cinematic journey and extend our hospitality and support to our own Irish talent as they and their families come together to celebrate this significant occasion for the Irish film industry,” said Susanne Carberry, the Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer.
“This week, our Oscar nominees are embarking on one of their most important journeys as they travel to LA to represent Ireland at the most iconic movie awards in the world.
“Our crews will go above and beyond to make it a memorable experience, and we wish Cillian and Robbie, as well as the rest of the Irish contingent the very best of luck. We hope to have extra seats to carry the golden statues on the flight home to Dublin from LA!”
The 96th Academy Awards take place on Sunday and will start at 11pm Irish time, with the ceremony set to last around three hours.
It will be hosted by television host Jimmy Kimmel and the ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV1, which is available on Saorview and Sky.
Highlights from the show will air at 9.35pm on RTÉ Two and the RTÉ Player on Monday, March 11.