Van To Get Pre-Oscars Honour

Oscar Wilde: Honouring Irish Writing in Film Van Morrison is to be honoured for his musical contribution to film at a star-studded bash ahead of next year’s Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, it was revealed today.

The Belfast-born star is to be one of three Irish people recognised at the second annual Oscar Wilde: Honouring Irish Writing in Film party in February. The other two have yet to be named.

Morrison’s music has featured in nearly 50 films including the upcoming Martin Scorcese crime thriller The Departed.

His songs have also appeared in Breakfast On Pluto, What a Girl Wants, The Royal Tenenbaums, Brigid Jones’ Diary, One Fine Day, When a Man Love a Woman, Thelma and Louise and As Good As It Gets.

Film directors Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan, along with music producer and DJ David Holmes, were honoured at last year’s inaugural celebration.

Big screen luminaries including Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard and Angelica Houston were among those who turned out for the party.

The US-Ireland Alliance, set up to foster links between both countries, co-hosts the event with the Irish Film Board before the annual Academy Awards ceremony.

Trina Vargo, founder and president of the alliance, said the event was also about bringing together leaders in Irish and Hollywood film at a fun, casual party.

She said it was a great precursor to the black tie and couture evenings during the Oscars.