Saoirse Ronan
Age:
13
Role:
Briony Tallis in Aonement
Synopsis:
It's 1935 and thirteen year old Briony Tallis, an aspiring writer with a wild imagination, is fascinated by the behaviour of the adults around her, despite not understanding what they are doing. She witnesses two strange encounters between her older sister Cecilia and Robbie, a family friend and son of the cook. She believes, after reading a letter from Robbie to Cecilia, that Robbie is a dangerous, sex crazed individual.
When she walks in on Robbie and Cecilia making love in the library, which she believes to be an attack on her sister, her suspicions about Robbie are confirmed.
Later that night their cousin Lola is raped in the grounds of their house and Briony accuses Robbie of the crime.
The three main character's lives pivot on this one event: Robbie is sent to prison before going to fight for his country in the Second World War, Cecilia leaves her family behind and becomes a nurse in blitz London, and Briony spends her whole life attempting to atone for her mistake.
Previous Oscar Wins:
None
Previous Oscar Nominations:
None
Awards/Nominations for Role:
Saoirse was nominated for a Bafta, Golden Globe, London Film Critics Awards for her Supporting Actress role in Atonement.
Critics:
"Ronan is the film's glory. Note to Oscar: This is acting of the highest order. Ronan simply takes your breath away." (Rolling Stone)
'a terrific turn from Saoirse Ronan' (Time Out London)
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Other Best Supporting Actress Nominations