Since her first major Hollywood role, Saoirse Ronan has proven she’s a force to be reckoned with. Once we master how to properly pronounce her name, let’s learn more about the talented star.
Breaking Into Hollywood
Saoirse Ronan experienced her Hollywood breakthrough early in her career. Cast as Keira Knightley’s sister in the period piece, Atonement (2007), the young starlet’s performance dazzled. Quite impressively, as it was her first major film, 13-year-old Saoirse Ronan earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Even the author of the novel on which the book was based praised the actress. Not surprisingly, Atonement landed a spot on most critic’s top ten list for 2007.
The fledgling star followed Atonement with 2009’s Lovely Bones, based on a novel about a young girl killed by her neighbor. Saoirse Ronan played the main character who, after her death, served as the film’s narrator. The movie garnered mixed critical reviews. However, critics united in their praise of Saoirse Ronan and co-star Stanley Tucci. Both actors received award nominations for their respective performances.
Hollywood Recognitions
Saoirse Ronan’s next critically-acclaimed role was in the romantic drama Brooklyn (2015). Though set in the 1950’s, being cast as a young Irish immigrant who moves to Brooklyn was a role to which the star, herself an Ireland native working in the United States, could relate. The movie performed admirably in the theaters but it was within the film industry itself that the film truly dazzled.
From a standing ovation at its Sundance premiere to its wealth of award nominations to the litany of critics singing the film’s praises, one thing was certain: Saoirse Ronan was one to watch. And she did not disappoint.
2017 saw the release of Lady Bird, now-famous Hollywood director Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut. With a comedic edge, Lady Bird told the coming-of-age story of Christine, played by Saoirse Ronan, who nicknames herself Lady Bird. Again, at its film festival premiere, history repeated itself as the movie and its star received a standing ovation.
Indeed, this recognition was a sign of things to come. The film became a critical darling. Moreover, Saoirse Ronan earned yet another Academy Award nomination and won the Golden Globe.
Broadway Debut
But Saoirse Ronan’s talents aren’t limited to the large screen. In 2016, she made her Broadway debut in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The star played Abigail Williams in the play based on the Salem Witch Trials. Of course, this was not the first revisiting of the classic play and it surely will not be the last. Like other oft-revived works, there always exists a risk of the overdone. However, with this revival, it was simply not the case! Generally, critics were pleased with this newest incarnation with Saoirse Ronan’s performance garnering the most praise.
Some other works on Saoirse Ronan’s resume include: The Way Back (2010), Hanna (2011), The Host (2013), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Stockholm, Pennsylvania (2015), The Seagull (2018) and Mary Queen of Scots (2018).
What’s Next?
Of course, fans of the celebrity already know that her newest movie is about to hit theaters! Along with Saoirse Ronan, Little Women features an all-star cast with Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet and Emma Watson. The newest adaptation of the classic novel opens on December 25th. Indeed, with Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig teaming up again, there is sure to be magic. And the star’s performance is surely impressive as, although the film has yet to officially premiere, she already received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
The celebrity also has a couple of films preparing for release in 2020. First up is The French Dispatch. Like most Wes Anderson productions, the movie is chock-full of big Hollywood stars. The director’s usual cache of favorite actors appear in the comedy-drama like Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe and Adrien Brody. Timothée Chalamet also appears. This will be Saoirse Ronan’s first movie with Wes Anderson. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
Saoirse Ronan will also act opposite her The French Dispatch co-star, Kate Winslet, in her other anticipated release, Ammonite. The historic period drama shares the tale of a romance between Winslet’s Mary Anning, a famous paleontologist, and a colleague played by Saoirse Ronan in 1920’s England. At this time, no release date is known. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long!