It was a great night for the Irish at the British Independent Film Awards with Saoirse Ronan picking up the Best Actress gong, Brendan Gleeson scooping the Best Supporting actor award and Lenny Abrahamson’s Room was named Best International Film.
Other winners at the star-studded ceremony in London included Tom Hardy who won best actor for his role in Legend, Olivia Colman who won best supporting actress for her part in The Lobster while Ex Machina was the big winner picking up four awards, including best British Independent Film.
With another win under her belt there is a lot of Oscar buzz around 21-year-Ronan, however the Brooklyn star said she was afraid to even think that far ahead.
Ronan saw off competition from Carey Mulligan, Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Rampling and Alicia Vikander to win the BIFA..
Asked if she had thought about what she would wear at the Oscars, she said: "No, shush. No, I don't ... I haven't thought about any of that stuff."
The Carlow native also revealed that she is shocked at all the success Brooklyn has received. "I didn't expect any of it really, not because of the film not being good or anything like that, but I think it was something that I really wanted to get right.
"I really didn't want to mess it up and was very aware of that responsibility to everyone at home and the people that were on the job.
"Definitely for the first week or so I was convinced I was messing it up so to have this reception to it has been ... we're pinching ourselves. I still can't believe it."
Talking to reporters after picking up her award she said: "It's really important to represent home for me. I think we've got a nation of really terrific storytellers, we always have done, and that's kind of our culture and our roots."
Meanwhile, fellow Irish star and Brooklyn actor Domhnall Gleeson was nominated in the same category as his father Brendan, who was unable to make it to the event.
Domhnall had his father's acceptance speech in his pocket - which was a good job due to his triumph.
Asked about the father/son battle ahead of the event, Domhnall said: "I don't think of it as 'against'. I think 'with'. But yes I'm desperate to win."
He said they have been pitted against each other before, adding: "It's always just kind of funny."
Talking about the key to a good acceptance speech, he said: "The key is don't get drunk early. Wait until your category is done and then have a good time. I think that's the only rule."
Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, an unsettling indie starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, was named Best International Independent Film. It beat off stiff competition from critically acclaimed movies Carol, Force Majeure and Son of Saul.
Ireland was well represented at the event with Colin Farrell up for best actor for his role in The Lobster, but he lost out to Tom Hardy, who was not there to pick up the award.
On the red carpet before the awards were handed out, Farrell said that it "doesn't mean that much" to win, but added that he was "delighted" to be nominated.
The Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution to British film was presented to Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Stars at the glittering event included Carey Mulligan, Julie Walters, Sir Tom Courtenay, Marion Cotillard and Anne-Marie Duff.
