Irish writer-director Lee Cronin is set to receive the prestigious Oscar Wilde Award on March 12, 2024, just days before the Academy Awards. The ceremony will take place at the Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Oscar Wilde Awards, which recognize contributions to film, television, and music from both Irish and international talents.
The event, organized by the US-Ireland Alliance, has already announced other honorees including actors Maura Tierney and Domhnall Gleeson. The ceremony will feature a performance by Irish singer Dave Lofts, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Cronin, who hails from the coastal town of Skerries near Dublin, expressed his early aspirations to become a fisherman, a clown, or a Ghostbuster. His love for classic genre films led him to discover that filmmaking encompassed all these dreams. Following his work on several horror-themed short films, he debuted with the critically acclaimed The Hole in the Ground, which was acquired by A24 and DirecTV prior to its showcase at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
His next project, Evil Dead Rise, premiered at SXSW 2023 and achieved significant commercial success, grossing $147 million against a budget of $19 million. This film marked the fifth installment in the Evil Dead franchise, earning him the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for best director.
Looking ahead, Cronin’s upcoming film, a reboot of The Mummy, is produced by James Wan‘s Atomic Monster, Jason Blum‘s Blumhouse, and New Line. His production company, Wicked/Good, has a first-look deal with New Line, amplifying his presence in the industry. The film is scheduled for worldwide release on April 17, 2024.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Cronin remarked, “This will be unlike any Mummy movie you ever laid eyeballs on before. I’m digging deep into the earth to raise something very ancient and very frightening.” The film stars Jack Reynor, further highlighting Cronin’s growing reputation in horror cinema.
Trina Vargo, president of the US-Ireland Alliance, praised Cronin’s impressive career trajectory, noting that having his name precede the title of a film is a rare achievement for any director. The Oscar Wilde Awards are supported by notable organizations, including Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland, underscoring the event’s significance in celebrating Irish talent in the arts.
