The 19th annual Oscar Wilde Awards will return to the historic Ebell Theater in Los Angeles on February 27, just three days before the Academy Awards.
Honoring John C. Reilly
Renowned actor John C. Reilly has been announced as the first honoree for this year’s ceremony, organized by the US-Ireland Alliance. Known for his versatile career spanning film, television, and theater, Reilly has often spoken about his Irish heritage. Born in Chicago, the 59-year-old actor has strong family ties to Ireland and frequently visits the country. In 2022, he served as the International Guest of Honor at Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Reflecting on the honor, Reilly shared, “It might just seem like a goof to appear at a parade, but to me, it has deep meaning as an Irish American. I know my father, who’s somewhere watching, couldn’t be more proud.”
US-Ireland Alliance president Trina Vargo highlighted Reilly’s connection to Ireland in her announcement, referencing President Kennedy’s 1963 visit to Ireland and his acknowledgment of the deep bond Irish Americans maintain with their ancestral homeland.
A Look Ahead for Reilly
In 2025, Reilly will appear in A Prayer for the Dying, playing a doctor in a 19th-century community devastated by a deadly plague. The film, an adaptation of Stewart O’Nan’s novel, is directed by Dara Van Dusen.
Reilly will also take on the role of Buffalo Bill in Testa O Croce, directed by Italian filmmakers Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis, and will star alongside Elizabeth Banks in DreamQuil, a thriller exploring the societal impacts of artificial intelligence and automation.
Additionally, Reilly has been captivating audiences with his one-man musical comedy show, Mister Romantic, performed at L.A.’s Coronet Theater. The show will go on tour next year.
A Storied Career
Reilly’s extensive résumé includes an Oscar-nominated performance in Chicago (2002), his portrayal of Jerry Buss in HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022-23), and standout roles in films such as Boogie Nights (1997), Magnolia (1999), Gangs of New York (2002), The Aviator (2004), Talladega Nights (2006), Step Brothers (2008), Stan & Ollie (2018), and The Sisters Brothers (2018).
About the Oscar Wilde Awards
The Oscar Wilde Awards honor individuals from Ireland and beyond who make significant contributions to film, television, and music while fostering artistic collaborations. These include promoting young talent in the U.S. and encouraging film production in Ireland.
The awards have been hosted at the Ebell Theater since their inception in 2006, with a brief stint at J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath’s Bad Robot production company from 2012-20.
Previous Honorees
Notable past recipients include Pierce Brosnan, Molly Shannon, Ruth Negga, Saoirse Ronan, Kenneth Branagh, Jessie Buckley, Glenn Close, and Martin Short. Last year’s honorees included Richie Baneham, Molly Shannon, and Pierce Brosnan.
Additional honorees for the 2024 ceremony will be announced soon, with sponsors including Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland. The event continues to celebrate the rich ties between Ireland and the arts while honoring exceptional talent in the entertainment industry.
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