The recent 98th Academy Awards ceremony has concluded at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with several British and Irish talents securing prestigious accolades. Among the winners was Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who clinched the Best Actress award for her role in the film “Hamnet.” In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Buckley expressed gratitude to her husband and daughter, also paying homage to her ancestors on Mother’s Day.

Additionally, Adam Somner, a British-American filmmaker, was part of the producing team behind the film “One Battle After Another,” which not only won the Best Picture Oscar but also garnered five other awards. Despite his contributions, Somner tragically passed away at the age of 57 due to thyroid cancer in Studio City in November 2024.

Other notable victories included BBC Film’s involvement in the acclaimed film “Sentimental Value,” which secured an international film Oscar, and Richard Baneham from Ireland being part of the team honored for visual effects in “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Furthermore, Gareth John contributed to the team that received the best sound Oscar for F1, while UK-born Mike Hill was recognized for makeup and hairstyling in “Frankenstein.”

During the ceremony, host Conan O’Brien lightened the mood with some humor, making a jest about recent British arrests. Notably, he highlighted the absence of British nominees in the Best Actor or Actress categories, joking about a British spokesperson’s response regarding arrests related to misconduct allegations. This banter referenced the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection to the Epstein files, sparking renewed calls for accountability from Epstein’s survivors and US lawmakers.

Andrew’s arrest follows ongoing speculation surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, with the former prince vehemently denying any wrongdoing. The incident has stirred controversy and scrutiny surrounding high-profile figures connected to Epstein’s scandal.