A film named An Irish Goodbye just received an Oscar nomination in the Short Film (Live Action) category.

The film hails from Ireland and features an actor named James Martin. He’s from Belfast. And he has Down syndrome.

I first read about the story yesterday in this article. It includes a brief interview with James Martin.

"Turn that light on, and that's what makes you a brilliant actor."

James Martin stars in ‘An Irish Goodbye. The film is currently being considered for an Oscar and is on the Bafta shortlist. pic.twitter.com/aK1Ybc4bdp

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) January 13, 2023

Here’s the synopsis of the film:

“On a farm in rural Northern Ireland, estranged brothers Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) and Lorcan (James Martin) are forced to reunite following the untimely death of their mother (Michelle Fairley). But when the pair discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mum, their pained reunion takes an altogether different course.”

I found myself laughing aloud at the trailer.

Reading about the film was a bright spot on this cold January day. An impending snowstorm threatens and the kids hold out hope for a snow day. Honestly, the days with Becky are particularly long right now. She still isn’t standing. She isn’t walking. But she somehow manages to tear apart the house. Recently Sam shored up our defenses, installing childproof locks on the kitchen cabinets. Not to be deterred, Becky found a new pastime: climbing the stairs and throwing shoes back down them. It’s a constant battle.

I always love finding something new to embrace and champion. Discovering this film is particularly providential since the Dallas Cowboys just bowed out of the playoffs in mind-numbing fashion. I haven’t seen the film and I can’t find a way to stream it just yet. Regardless, I love the trailer so I’ve decided to pull for James Martin and An Irish Goodbye to take home the Oscar.

Perhaps it will inspire Becky to do something other than throw shoes.