Irish Academy Award winner Brenda Fricker has some words of advice for Oscar hopeful Ruth Negga. The 71-year-old won an Oscar in 1990 for her role in My Left Foot.
Brenda, who took home a gong for Best Supporting Actress in the film, is wishing the Limerick native the very best of luck at next month’s ceremony.
Speaking to the Irish Sun the actor said, “I wish her huge buckets of luck and hope she wins. About time my record was broken!
“Her life will change, her cheques will be bigger and her choices will be so much better. I couldn’t wish her more luck.”
The acting legend, who now lives in Dublin, also wants to warn Ruth about the bitterness she may encounter from her fellow nominees and peers. She unfortunately dealt with the pain of it, and was extremely hurt.
The best advice that Brenda can give the 35-year-old is harsh but realistic, and that is to grow a thick skin, and to place trust only in herself.
“I hope she (Ruth) gets a better reception from her peers for being nominated, which is huge, or indeed for winning than I did, because winning the biggest prize deserves joyful celebration.
“The Irish people were glorious! Stunning in their pride and joy, they cried openly and so did I, but…I’ve had sour grapes whispered at me. I was hurt.
“My best advice, and it is the honest one, is that talent is the last thing she needs to hit the heights.
“Talent is two-a-penny all around you. She needs good health, a streak of steel to spot the others around her who disguise it as “ambition” and a tough heart. Trust nobody. Prepare for loneliness and be tough enough to handle it,” she said.
