Teenage acting star Art Parkinson has said he may be too busy to attend this year's Oscars after his movie received two nominations.
The 15-year-old actor from Movile voices the lead actor in the epic animation Kubo and the Two Strings, which was nominated for Best Animated Movie and Best Visual Effects at this year’s 89th Academy Awards.
The glittering ceremony will be held on February 26th in Hollywood, but Art is not sure if he can attend.
“I’m not sure yet, there are a couple of work things that I am working on at the minute. So, maybe,” he told Newstalk Drive.
Art was in school at Coláiste Chineál Eoghain in Buncrana when he learned that his movie was up for some of the most coveted awards in entertainment. He was coming from English class when he found out the exciting news from his Muinteoir, Ms Derval Newman.
Art said he had been nervous this morning about the upcoming announcement of the nominations.
“I had completely forgotten about it over break and I was reminded by my teacher,” he said.
Looking back on the hugely-successful production of Kubo, Art had some kind words to say about his co-star Matthew McConaughey, who he met during press events following the release of the movie.
“He’s a very nice man, he’s very down to earth.”
Art has previously played Rickon Stark in the fantasy drama Game of Thrones before stepping into the world of animated movies on Kubo and the Two Strings. The transition to voice acting was a challenge, he said.
“I was difficult to fully embrace a character without actually being in the character’s literal shoes. It was difficult but working with the team at Lika, who are a very strong and devoted team, and working with the likes of Travis Knight, they really helped me out,”
Art revealed that he is working on his first live-action lead role. Zoo, a historical adventure set in Belfast 1941, is expected to be released later this year. Art is starring alongside Toby Jones and Penelope Wilton and said he is excited for the project to be completed.
Art is a proud promoter of the Irish language and will act as an ambassador for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2017 alongside Letterkenny TV star Michael Carey. Art said he hopes to direct and produce a film in the future that will promote the Irish language and the film industry.