Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson, celebrated for his remarkably diverse roles across blockbuster franchises and independent cinema, is finally receiving his first major Hollywood award. The US-Ireland Alliance has announced that Gleeson will be presented with the prestigious Oscar Wilde award next March.
A Career of Remarkable Range Recognised
The honour, which will be bestowed at the event's 20th-anniversary ceremony in Los Angeles in the run-up to the Oscars, recognises an exceptional body of work rather than a single performance. Gleeson's filmography is a testament to his chameleonic talent, having portrayed characters as varied as a psychopath, a romantic lead, an intergalactic warlord, and a determined newspaper editor.
Despite critical acclaim and nominations for a Tony Award and a Golden Globe, a significant Hollywood prize had eluded him until now. He has previously won Irish film and television awards and a Berlin International Film Festival award, but this marks a new milestone.
Trina Vargo, founder and president of the US-Ireland Alliance, recalled first spotting Gleeson's talent nearly two decades ago. "I first saw Domhnall in 2006 when he played the role of Davey in Martin McDonagh’s play The Lieutenant of Inishmore," she said. "His talent was obvious 20 years ago, it’s been a pleasure to watch him go from strength to strength."
From Potter and Star Wars to Critical Acclaim
Gleeson, the son of acclaimed actor Brendan Gleeson, built his reputation through a mix of indie darlings and major franchises. Audiences will know him as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter series and General Hux in the recent Star Wars trilogy. His notable film credits include Ex Machina, About Time, Brooklyn, The Revenant, and True Grit.
Recently, his presence on television has grown significantly. He starred opposite Steve Carell in the series The Patient, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of a serial killer. He currently leads The Paper, a mockumentary spin-off of the US version of The Office, and will appear in the forthcoming BBC Christmas special The Scarecrows’ Wedding with Jessie Buckley.
His upcoming projects include Apple TV+ productions Fountain of Youth, directed by Guy Ritchie, and Echo Valley with Julianne Moore.
The Question of an Underrated Talent
A recent profile in Esquire magazine posed a compelling question: "Why isn’t everyone talking about Domhnall Gleeson?" The article praised his ability to be "almost fluid" in performance, thoroughly absorbing his characters. It noted that despite consistent praise, he has somehow remained "critically underrated"—a perception this new award may help to shift.
The US-Ireland Alliance, a non-profit organisation strengthening ties between the two nations, is renowned for hosting one of the most vibrant parties during Hollywood's awards season. Previous recipients of the Oscar Wilde award include fellow Irish actors and creatives like Jamie Dornan, Kenneth Branagh, and Kerry Condon. The March 2025 ceremony will also honour actress Maura Tierney.
This award solidifies Domhnall Gleeson's status as one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation, finally securing the Hollywood recognition his extensive and impressive career richly deserves.
