Prepare to be inspired! Maura Tierney, a name synonymous with captivating performances and unwavering dedication, is about to receive a prestigious honor, and it's a moment worth celebrating. But here's why it matters beyond just another award...
The incredibly talented Maura Tierney, a two-time Emmy nominee currently gracing our screens as Lieutenant Jessica Brady in NBC’s hit show Law & Order, has been named the first honoree at the illustrious 2026 Oscar Wilde Awards. This year holds special significance as the awards celebrate their 20th anniversary, marking two decades of recognizing exceptional contributions to film, television, and music.
Organized by the US-Ireland Alliance, this highly anticipated event will take place on March 12th at the historic Ebell theater in Los Angeles, maintaining its traditional pre-Academy Awards slot. The Oscar Wilde Awards aren't just another glittering Hollywood party; they're a celebration with a real purpose, honoring talent with Irish roots – and those who, regardless of origin, enrich the world of entertainment.
"We look forward to honoring Maura this year,” stated Trina Vargo, founder and president of the US-Ireland Alliance. “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 recent work includes appearances in A24's poignant family wrestling drama, The Iron Claw (2023), and the high-octane disaster sequel, Twisters (2024). However, her career is a tapestry woven with unforgettable roles.
She first captured Emmy attention in 2001 for her portrayal of Dr. Abby Lockhart on NBC’s beloved medical drama ER, a role she inhabited for eight seasons (1999-2009). She earned another Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe in 2016 for her compelling performance as Helen Solloway in Showtime’s thought-provoking series, The Affair.
Before ER, Tierney showcased her comedic chops for five seasons on the NBC comedy NewsRadio. She also had recurring roles on the critically acclaimed CBS drama The Good Wife and the edgy FX series Rescue Me, proving her versatility and range. And this is the part most people miss... she's not just a TV star!
Her film credits boast an impressive array of titles, including Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending Insomnia (2002), the hilarious Liar Liar (1997), Mike Nichols’ politically charged Primary Colors (1998), the comedy Baby Mama (2008), the Will Ferrell sports comedy Semi-Pro (2008), the heart-wrenching Beautiful Boy (2018), and the timely political thriller The Report (2019). She even graced the Broadway stage opposite Tom Hanks in Nora Ephron’s Lucky Guy in 2013.
Adding to the evening's ambiance, Irish singer Dave Lofts will perform. His music, often compared to the sounds of Van Morrison and Paolo Nutini, has garnered millions of streams with his covers of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" and Sam Fender's "Seventeen Going Under." But it's his original songs – such as “Tell Me,” “Let Me Go Home,” and, particularly, “Just a Man” – that delve into important issues like mental health and anxiety. This is a bold choice for an awards show, isn't it? Do you think it's important for events like these to address serious issues through music?
While Tierney is the first announced honoree, expect more names to be revealed in the coming weeks. Last year, the Oscar Wilde Awards celebrated John C. Reilly, Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall, and Éanna Hardwicke. Previous honorees include a veritable who's who of entertainment, from Van Morrison and Norman Lear to Jim Sheridan, Eve Hewson, Catherine O’Hara, Glenn Close, Saoirse Ronan, Martin Short, and the late Carrie Fisher.
“It’s hard to believe that the March event will mark our 20th anniversary,” Vargo reflected. “From the outset, this was always a party with a purpose, and it has resulted in everything from J.J. Abrams filming Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Ireland, to a special episode of The Simpsons premiering in Ireland after we honored James L. Brooks, to several other movies being filmed there, as recently as this year. We are also delighted to bring attention to the amazing artistic talent of artists, from Oscar winners to those just getting their start.”
But here's where it gets controversial... Some critics argue that these kinds of awards shows are more about networking and creating opportunities for the already successful, rather than genuinely supporting emerging talent. What do you think?
Vargo concludes, “We know that creative collaborations have been formed from this event and several artists have gotten agents, contracts and other opportunities as a result.”
Northern Ireland Screen is among the sponsors of this year's Oscar Wilde Awards. It's clear that this event continues to be a significant platform for celebrating Irish talent and fostering collaborations within the entertainment industry. What are your thoughts on Maura Tierney receiving this honor? Does her work resonate with you, and what are some of your favorite performances of hers?
