Irish filmmaker Lee Cronin has been announced as a recipient of the prestigious Oscar Wilde Award. The ceremony will take place on March 12, 2024, at the Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, just three days prior to the Academy Awards. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Oscar Wilde Awards, which celebrate contributions to film, television, and music from both Irish individuals and international talents.
The event is organized by the US-Ireland Alliance, which recognizes artists who have significantly impacted the entertainment industry. Previous honorees include notable figures such as Maura Tierney and Domhnall Gleeson. The evening will also feature a performance by Irish singer Dave Lofts.
Cronin, 43, hails from Skerries, a coastal town near Dublin. He initially dreamed of becoming a fisherman, a clown, or a Ghostbuster, but discovered his true passion for filmmaking through classic horror films. His career began with several acclaimed horror-themed short films, leading to his feature debut with The Hole in the Ground. This film was acquired by A24 and DirecTV before premiering at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
Following this success, Cronin directed Evil Dead Rise, which premiered at SXSW in 2023. The film grossed an impressive $147 million worldwide against a production budget of $19 million, making it the fifth installment and highest-grossing film in the Evil Dead franchise. For his work on the film, Cronin received the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Director.
Currently, Cronin is working on a reboot of The Mummy, produced by James Wan’s Atomic Monster, Jason Blum’s Blumhouse, and New Line Cinema. His production company, Wicked/Good, has a first-look deal with New Line. The new adaptation is set for a worldwide release on April 17, 2024. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cronin promised that this version will be “unlike any Mummy movie you ever laid eyes on before,” indicating a fresh and innovative approach to the classic tale.
The president of the US-Ireland Alliance, Trina Vargo, praised Cronin’s impressive trajectory in the industry. She noted, “To have his name precede the title of the film, that’s a rarity for any director.” The Oscar Wilde Awards are supported by major sponsors, including Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland, recognizing the significance of Irish contributions to global cinema.
As the film industry evolves, the recognition of talents like Lee Cronin highlights the growing influence of Irish filmmakers on the world stage. With his upcoming projects and accolades, Cronin continues to solidify his position as a key figure in contemporary horror cinema.
