It’s not only in Ireland that Belfast is one of the most highly anticipated film releases of 2022, as Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film is shortlisted for two Oscars.
Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast is not only one of the most highly anticipated cinema releases of 2022. Critics have shortlisted it for two Oscars at next year’s awards.
Joining Belfast in the Oscar shortlist is Irish rock band U2. Their song ‘Your Song Saved My Life’ features in the upcoming Universal Pictures animation Sing 2.
Since premiering last month, Belfast has received rave reviews from all over the world. Personally, we can’t wait to see it for ourselves.
Critically acclaimed – various award nominations already
The news that Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast has been shortlisted for two Oscars comes just one week after it was announced the film had been nominated in several Golden Globe award categories.
The film stars Jamie Dornan, Catriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds, and debuts Belfast’s own Jude Hill. It tells the story of a working-class family in 1960s Belfast.
They are with the onset of the Troubles and making the tough decision of whether to leave the city behind.
One of the things that makes this film so special is its soundtrack. Featuring numerous tracks by Belfast-born musician Van Morrison, the film feels undeniably Northern Irish.
It is this soundtrack that has gained the film early Oscar recognition.
An Oscar-winning soundtrack? – high hopes for Branagh in 2022
The film is due for release in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 21 January 2022. After proving successful on the global critic stage, Belfast will no doubt be a hit with local audiences.
Critics shortlisted the film for the Best Original Song category for ‘Down to Joy’ by Van Morrison. The song plays over the opening credits, offering viewers a nostalgic feel for the city.
They also shortlisted the film for the Sound category. It sits alongside big blockbusters, such as Dune, No Time to Die, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
13 other songs accompany ‘Down to Joy’ and ‘Your Song Saved My Life’ in the shortlist for Best Original Song at the 94th Academy Awards.
Shortlisted tracks include Billie Eilish’s ‘No Time To Die’, and ‘Dream Girl from Cinderella. ‘The Anonymous Ones’ from Dear Evan Hansen has also been shortlisted.
An exciting year for film – upcoming releases to look forward to
Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, which has been shortlisted for two Oscars, is not the only highly-anticipated movie coming to our screens next year.
Other releases we can’t wait for include the latest instalment of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, due for release on 15 July 2022. The Batman, Uncharted, and Legally Blonde 3 are among the other exciting releases set for 2022.
You can find the full Oscars shortlist here. Which one are you most excited for?
