Saoirse Ronan 'not thinking about Oscars or diets'

Updated
BIFA Film Awards: Saoirse Ronan 'Not Thinking About Oscars or Diets'
BIFA Film Awards: Saoirse Ronan 'Not Thinking About Oscars or Diets'

Saoirse Ronan will not be going on crazy diets ahead of the Oscars, saying: "I love my grub."

The actress picked up the best actress gong for her role as a young Irish immigrant in the hit film Brooklyn at the Moet British Independent Film Awards (Bifas).

Other winners at the star-studded ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London included Tom Hardy who won best actor for his role in Legend, Olivia Colman who won best supporting actress for her part in The Lobster and Brendan Gleeson who won best supporting actor for Suffragette.

Ex Machina was the big winner of the night with four awards, including best British independent film.

Irish star Ronan, 21, said she has not thought about the Academy Awards and said she still "can't believe" the success of Brooklyn.

Ronan saw off competition from Carey Mulligan, Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Rampling and Alicia Vikander to win the Bifa.

Asked if she had thought about what she would wear at the Oscars, she said: "No, shush. No, I don't ... I haven't thought about any of that stuff."

And asked if she would feel under pressure about looks or go on a diet ahead of the big night, she told the Press Association: "No not at all. I've got a great group around me that are very supportive. I don't think about any of that. I love my grub."

Talking about the popularity of Brooklyn, she said: "I didn't expect any of it really, not because of the film not being good or anything like that, but I think it was something that I really wanted to get right.

"I really didn't want to mess it up and was very aware of that responsibility to everyone at home and the people that were on the job.

"Definitely for the first week or so I was convinced I was messing it up so to have this reception to it has been ... we're pinching ourselves. I still can't believe it."

The Irish star does not dwell on what is expected of her, adding: "You can't think about the pressures because otherwise you'll just become a basket case."

Talking to reporters after picking up her award she said: "It's really important to represent home for me. I think we've got a nation of really terrific storytellers, we always have done, and that's kind of our culture and our roots."

Meanwhile, fellow Irish star and Brooklyn actor Domhnall Gleeson was nominated in the same category as his father Brendan, who was unable to make it to the event.

Domhnall had his father's acceptance speech in his pocket - which was a good job due to his triumph.

Asked about the father/son battle ahead of the event, Domhnall said: "I don't think of it as 'against'. I think 'with'. But yes I'm desperate to win."

He said they have been pitted against each other before, adding: "It's always just kind of funny."

Talking about the key to a good acceptance speech, he said: "The key is don't get drunk early. Wait until your category is done and then have a good time. I think that's the only rule."

Ireland was well represented at the event with Colin Farrell up for best actor for his role in The Lobster, but he lost out to Tom Hardy, who was not there to pick up the award.

On the red carpet before the awards were handed out, Farrell told the Press Association it "doesn't mean that much" to win, but added that he was "delighted" to be nominated.

Having previously had a wild child reputation, Farrell joked he would have a lively celebration if he won.

"I'm going to tear the stage apart. I'm going to trash the joint. You'll read about it tomorrow. You may even write about it," he joked.

Also at the event, Kate Winslet picked up the Variety Award - an award that recognises someone who has made a global impact and helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK.

The Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution to British film was presented to Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Stars at the glittering event included Carey Mulligan, Julie Walters, Sir Tom Courtenay, Marion Cotillard and Anne-Marie Duff.

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