THERE WAS great news for the cast and crew of Brooklyn on Sunday night as the film, partly shot in Enniscorthy, managed to scoop a prestigious award at the BAFTAs, even if it was in somewhat of a controversial category.

The movie, based on Colm Tóibín’s novel of the same name, was awarded the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film, beating off competition from 45 Years, Amy, The Danish Girl, Ex-Machina, and The Lobster.

While it is set in Ireland, is about a young Irish emigrant, stars a fantastic array of Irish talent, is directed by an Irishman and was written by proud Enniscorthy man Tóibín, Brooklyn was co-financed by the BBC, therefore making it completely eligible to be included in the category.

There was a considerable reaction online to the film being claimed as British, however, perhaps that is somewhat missing the point as it is a major scalp claimed by the cast and crew in the build-up to the Oscars on February 28.

Producer Finola Dwyer was delighted with the award, saying: “On behalf of the cast and crew in London, Dublin and New York, thank you so much for honouring our film.”

Meanwhile, in what may be an indication of how the Best Actress category may play out at the Oscars, Brooklyn’s Saoirse Ronan was beaten to the punch by Brie Larson who managed to scoop the top honour for her role in Room.

While it’s wonderful to be able to say that Enniscorthy is now home to a BAFTA award winning film, fingers and toes will be crossed all over town that the crew can enjoy similar success at the Oscars on February 28.

Saoirse Ronan was beaten to Best Actress by Brie Larson while Brooklyn scooped Outstanding British Film at the BAFTAs on Sunday.