Dublin Director Ben Cleary, whose short film ‘Stutterer’ won an Oscar last night, has spoken of his joy for doing Ireland proud at the Hollywood awards ceremony.
Ben, who wrote, filmed and funded the award-winning short, spoke to Today FM’s Anton Savage that winning the coveted gong has been an overwhelming experience.
Speaking about how he and producer Serena Armitage felt after the win, he said: “We are indeed [over the moon], we just got back to our flat here and it’s been surreal all week but even more so now. It’s amazing.
“We’re best mates and we just got back to the flat and it’s sinking in a bit I think. We’re definitely going to head out now and have a laugh. What a night, we’re delighted.”
Before heading out to celebrate, Ben explained how the team are slighted tired but also “boisted up by this and we’re gonna go out and have some night tonight I’d say!”
He added: “We’re gonna head out to a party now and hopefully meet up with my brother who’s here and two of my best mates are here and they’re really the people I want to go see now and just saviour this moment with them. It’s a special time.”
Ben admitted that the Oscar will be joining them throughout the celebration as it’s a ticket into some of the parties “so we’re bringing it with us, it’s even surreal just seeing the thing.”
Telling Anton about the all-important acceptance speech, he revealed: “I can barely even remember what I said up on stage” but said that he is feeling reassured from all the nice texts from everyone back home “saying that they’re delighted for us and that the speech was decent.”
During his speech at the live event, the Irish man shared how “Every day is a proud day to be Irish but today more so than usual” speaking on the radio he said “the support from everyone back home has been unbelievable so yeah, I’m just really proud.”
Not as proud as us, Ben!
You can watch Stutterer on RTE player until Sunday, 27th March.