The 62nd Academy Awards pay tribute to the film 'My Left Foot' and the life of Christy Brown.
A year after its release, 'My Left Foot', based on the life of writer Christy Brown, born with cerebral palsy, is nominated in five categories at the 62nd Academy Awards. The film directed by Jim Sheridan and produced by Noel Pearson and with a screenplay, adapted from 1954 memoir by Christy Brown by Shane Connaughton and Jim Sheridan.
For his portrayal of Christy Brown, Daniel Day-Lewis is nominated in the Best Actor category. Brenda Fricker is nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for the role of Bridget Fagan Brown, Christy's mother. Both actors know they are up against stiff competition. Daniel Day-Lewis is amazed at how well the film has done in the United States.
'My Left Foot' is a co-production with funding coming from Ireland and the United Kingdom. RTÉ provided £150,000 towards cost, Granda Television £65% of the budget, the Rehabilitation Institute gave £100,000 and some private investors were also involved. The flowers and carpeting of the Oscars show costs £300,000 more than the entire budget of the Irish film.
The 62nd Academy Awards ceremony is held on 26 March 1990 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. As he departs for the ceremony, Noel Pearson says he is not nervous, but is looking forward to it being over. After being calm all day, Brenda Fricker is starting to feel anxious. She hopes the film can bring at least one Oscar back to Ireland.
The 'My Left Foot' production crew watch the four-hour show in a house in Beverly Hills. In Ireland, a special party for more production staff and friends is held at Ardmore Studios in Bray, County Wicklow. When Daniel Day-Lewis takes the Best Actor gong and Brenda Fricker is announced as Best Supporting Actress, there are scenes of jubilation.
After the Academy Awards ceremony, the Irish winners celebrate with friends and well-wishers including Bono, Ali Hewson and Bob Geldof.
Daniel Day Lewis is exhausted,
I feel like I've been in a major road accident.
Brenda Fricker adds,
It's a great night to be Irish, two Oscars for Ireland.
A 'Newsround' report broadcast on 1 April 1990. The presenter is Andrew Kelly. The reporter is Colm Connolly.
