- Veteran actress Maura Tierney has been announced as the first honoree for the 20th anniversary of the prestigious Oscar Wilde Awards.
- The ceremony, which celebrates Irish contributions to entertainment, will take place on March 12, 2026, at the Ebell theater in Los Angeles.
- Tierney is being recognized for a celebrated career spanning decades, including award-winning roles in “ER,” “The Affair,” and recent films like “The Iron Claw.”
- The event, organized by the US-Ireland Alliance, will also feature a performance by Irish singer Dave Lofts.
A Career Finally Gets Its Due Recognition
In a move celebrated by fans and colleagues, two-time Emmy nominee Maura Tierney has been named the first official honoree for the 2026 Oscar Wilde Awards. The announcement marks a significant moment for the actress, currently starring as Lieutenant Jessica Brady on NBC’s Law & Order, and kicks off the countdown to the event’s 20th anniversary.
The US-Ireland Alliance, which organizes the annual “party with a purpose,” confirmed the news, setting the stage for a ceremony that celebrates the powerful bond between Ireland and the global entertainment industry. The event is scheduled for March 12, 2026, strategically placed just three days before the Academy Awards, at the historic Ebell theater in Los Angeles.
Celebrating an Enviable Career
Trina Vargo, founder and president of the US-Ireland Alliance, praised the Boston-born actress’s extensive body of work. “We look forward to honoring Maura this year,” Vargo stated. “She has had an incredible and enviable career in film, television and theater. She has always been proud of her Irish heritage and starred in Yasmina Reza’s award-winning God of Carnage at the prestigious Gate Theatre in Dublin.”
Tierney’s career is a testament to her versatility. She first captured audience attention on the NBC comedy NewsRadio before her iconic, Emmy-nominated role as Dr. Abby Lockhart on ER. More recently, she earned another Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe Award in 2016 for her gripping portrayal of Helen Solloway in Showtime’s The Affair. Her film credits are equally impressive, with roles in A24’s The Iron Claw, the blockbuster sequel Twisters, Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia, and the comedy classic Liar Liar.
A Legacy of Honoring Irish Excellence
The Oscar Wilde Awards has a storied history of recognizing top-tier talent. By accepting this honor, Tierney joins an exclusive list of past recipients that includes industry legends like Kenneth Branagh, Saoirse Ronan, Pierce Brosnan, Carrie Fisher, and Martin Short. Just last year, the event feted John C. Reilly, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall.
More Than Just a Party
Vargo emphasized the event’s lasting impact beyond a single evening. “From the outset, this was always a party with a purpose,” she explained, noting that the gathering has directly led to major films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens shooting in Ireland. “We know that creative collaborations have been formed from this event and several artists have gotten agents, contracts and other opportunities as a result.”
The 20th-anniversary celebration will also feature a musical performance by rising Irish singer Dave Lofts, known for his viral covers and soulful original music. Additional honorees for the 2026 event will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Image Referance: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/maura-tierney-oscar-wilde-awards-1236402459/