Singing, songwriting and acting duo of Glen Hansard (The Frames) and Czech Markéta Irglová won the Oscar for Best Original Song, for 'Falling Slowly', from the Irish film 'Once' in which they starred.
This was not Hansard's first film adventure as he stared in the nineties hit The Commitments. It was however his first Oscar nomination and Oscar win for the talented Irishman.
In an interview with RTE Hansard described exactly how bizarre the whole experience was in Los Angeles: "I feel a bit like a plumber at a flower show," he also mentioned that he had received a good luck text from U2 star Bono just before the ceremony. "He was just saying like we are all rooting for you. For me it was just like getting a text off the king of the tribe that's just brilliant."
In Hansard's acceptance speech, he said: "Go raibh mille mille math agat(to you a thousand thousand thankyou's). This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad."
He added: "We made this film two years ago, we shot it on two Handycams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand."
Glen continued: "We never thought we'd come into a room like this and be in front of you people. It is amazing. Thanks for taking this film seriously. It means a lot to us. This is amazing. Make art. Make art."
Irglová, who was cut off by music when she was about to make her speech, was thankfully brought back on stage by host Jon Stewart to make her speech.
Irglová said: "Hi everyone. I just want to thank you so much. This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling and this, the fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible."
She continued: "You know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up. This song was written from a perspective of hope and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. So thank you so much those who helped us along way. Thank you."
The film 'Once', which was set and filmed in Dublin, also got and award at the Independent Spirit Awards in the US. It received the Best Foreign Film award.
In a press statement from The Irish president, Mary McAleese said "I am delighted to congratulate Daniel Day-Lewis on winning the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova on winning the Oscar for Music (Song) at the 80th Academy Award ceremony in Los Angeles last night.
"2008 has been a tremendously successful year for Irish cinema, as witnessed by the many international nominations and awards already garnered. Last night's achievements at the Oscars are a further sign of the inexhaustible supply of creativity and talent with which this country has been blessed."
Feeds