Minister for Arts Catherine Martin will meet studios and production companies, including Sony and Disney, as part of a trade mission to LA ahead of the Academy Awards on Sunday.

Representatives of Fís Eireann, Tourism Ireland, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs will also take part in the trip to promote the Irish screen industry.

Ireland received a record number of 14 Oscar nominations this year, including the first ever nomination for an Irish language film as 'Best International Feature'.

As part of the trade mission, Minister Martin will seek to strengthen working relationships between the Irish screen sector and some of the world's largest production companies.

Ireland's reputation as a global tourist destination will also be discussed.

A number of meetings will take place with US studios and production companies, including Sony and Disney, as well as representatives from Marvel, Searchlight and Lucas Film.

The minister will also present a special award to An Cailín Ciúin at the Oscar Wilde event tomorrow.


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Minister Martin said: "The eyes of Hollywood and the world are on Ireland this Oscars weekend and this presents an important opportunity to showcase Ireland's culture and creative talent to a global audience.

"This weekend is also important for Ireland and Irish people around the world.

"Some 14 Oscar nominations is incredible for a country the size of Ireland and I know the nominations are a source of national pride for young and old.

"It highlights the country's contribution to the arts and culture, provides opportunities to further promote Ireland as a tourism destination, and will inspire future generations of Irish creative talent and filmmakers."