Maura Tierney, a two-time Emmy-nominated actress, is set to be honored at the 2026 Oscar Wilde Awards, celebrating her illustrious career and Irish heritage. The event, organized by the US-Ireland Alliance, will take place on March 12 at the historic Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, three days before the Academy Awards. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards, which celebrate the contributions of Irish and non-Irish individuals to film, television, and music.
Tierney, born in Boston, has had a remarkable career in both television and film. She is currently starring as Lieutenant Jessica Brady on NBC's Law & Order. Her notable roles include Dr. Abby Lockhart on ER, for which she received an Emmy nomination in 2001, and Helen Solloway on The Affair, earning her another Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe in 2016. Tierney has also appeared in various films, such as Christopher Nolan's Insomnia, Liar Liar, Primary Colors, Baby Mama, Semi-Pro, Beautiful Boy, and The Report. She made her Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy, starring opposite Tom Hanks.
The Oscar Wilde Awards will also feature a performance by Irish singer Dave Lofts, whose music is influenced by Van Morrison and Paolo Nutini. Lofts' covers and original songs, including 'Running Up That Hill' and 'Seventeen Going Under,' have gained millions of streams. His music explores themes like mental health and anxiety.
Previous honorees at the Oscar Wilde Awards include renowned figures such as Morrison, Norman Lear, Jim Sheridan, Eve Hewson, Catherine O'Hara, Glenn Close, Ruth Negga, Saoirse Ronan, Martin Short, Kenneth Branagh, Jessie Buckley, Carrie Fisher, Jamie Dornan, Pierce Brosnan, Brendan Gleeson, Colm Meaney, Terry George, Michelle Williams, Neil Jordan, and the late THR writer-editor Steve Brennan. The event has had a significant impact, fostering creative collaborations and providing opportunities for artists, including helping some secure agents, contracts, and other industry connections.
The US-Ireland Alliance's founder and president, Trina Vargo, expressed excitement about honoring Maura Tierney, highlighting her impressive career and pride in her Irish heritage. The awards aim to celebrate the diverse talents of individuals from Ireland and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
