Imagine a star so bright, it illuminates not just the screen, but also celebrates a rich cultural heritage. That's Maura Tierney, and she's about to receive a prestigious honor! The two-time Emmy nominee, currently captivating audiences as Lieutenant Jessica Brady on NBC's Law & Order, will be the first honoree celebrated at the 2026 Oscar Wilde Awards, marking the event's 20th anniversary.
This isn't just another awards show; it's a 'party with a purpose', orchestrated by the US-Ireland Alliance. Taking place on March 12th at the historic Ebell theater in Los Angeles – a familiar spot, considering it hosted the event last year too– three days before the Oscars, it champions the contributions of Irish talent, and those with a strong connection to Ireland, in film, television, and music. The event has become a fixture on the pre-Oscar calendar, known for its unique blend of celebration and cultural exchange.
"We look forward to honoring Maura this year,” Trina Vargo, founder and president of the US-Ireland Alliance, stated. “She has had an incredible and enviable career in film, television and theater. She has always been proud of her Irish heritage and starred in Yasmina Reza’s award-winning God of Carnage at the prestigious Gate Theatre in Dublin.” Tierney's connection to her Irish roots is clearly something the Alliance deeply values.
Born in Boston, Tierney’s recent big-screen appearances include roles in A24's wrestling drama The Iron Claw (2023) and Universal-Warner Bros.' disaster sequel Twisters (2024), showcasing her versatility across genres. But here's where it gets interesting: her career spans far more than just recent projects.
She first earned an Emmy nomination in 2001 for her iconic portrayal of Dr. Abby Lockhart on NBC’s ER, a role she held for eight seasons (1999-2009), becoming a household name. She then secured another Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe in 2016 for her compelling performance as Helen Solloway on Showtime’s The Affair. And this is the part most people miss: she also shone in the comedic realm, spending five seasons on NBC’s NewsRadio and recurring on CBS’ The Good Wife and FX’s Rescue Me, proving her comedic timing is just as sharp as her dramatic depth.
Her filmography is equally impressive, featuring roles in blockbusters like Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia (2002), the comedy classic Liar Liar (1997), Mike Nichols’ Primary Colors (1998), Baby Mama (2008), Semi-Pro (2008), Beautiful Boy (2018) and The Report (2019). She even shared the Broadway stage with Tom Hanks in Nora Ephron’s Lucky Guy in 2013. It's a career filled with both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Adding to the evening’s entertainment, Irish singer Dave Lofts, whose sound evokes the spirit of Van Morrison and Paolo Nutini, will perform at the Ebell. His covers of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" and Sam Fender's "Seventeen Going Under" have amassed millions of streams, and his original songs, such as "Tell Me," "Let Me Go Home," and especially "Just a Man," delve into important themes like mental health and anxiety. Lofts represents a new wave of Irish talent, making his performance a perfect fit for the Oscar Wilde Awards.
More honorees will be announced in the coming weeks, joining the ranks of past recipients like John C. Reilly, Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall, and Éanna Hardwicke, who were celebrated last year. The list of past honorees is a veritable who's who of Irish and Irish-connected talent, including Van Morrison, Norman Lear, Jim Sheridan, Eve Hewson, Catherine O’Hara, Hylda Queally, Glenn Close, Ruth Negga, Saoirse Ronan, Martin Short, Kenneth Branagh, Jessie Buckley, Carrie Fisher, Jamie Dornan, Pierce Brosnan, Brendan Gleeson, Colm Meaney, Terry George, Michelle Williams, Neil Jordan and the late THR writer-editor Steve Brennan.
“It’s hard to believe that the March event will mark our 20th anniversary,” Vargo reflected. “From the outset, this was always a party with a purpose, and it has resulted in everything from J.J. Abrams filming Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Ireland, to a special episode of The Simpsons premiering in Ireland after we honored James L. Brooks, to several other movies being filmed there, as recently as this year. We are also delighted to bring attention to the amazing artistic talent of artists, from Oscar winners to those just getting their start.” This highlights the tangible impact the awards have had on promoting Irish culture and the film industry. It's not just about handing out awards; it's about fostering opportunities.
She added, “We know that creative collaborations have been formed from this event and several artists have gotten agents, contracts and other opportunities as a result.” This underscores the Oscar Wilde Awards' role as a networking hub for creatives. Northern Ireland Screen is among the sponsors, further solidifying the event’s commitment to supporting the Irish film industry.
So, what do you think? Is it important for awards shows to do more than just celebrate talent, and actively foster cultural exchange and economic opportunities? And does Maura Tierney's diverse body of work make her a deserving honoree? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
