AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 15: Director Lee Cronin attends the "Evil Dead Rise" headliner screening during the 2023 SXSW Conference and Festival at The Paramount Theatre on March 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures)
Irish filmmaker Lee Cronin, known for his significant contributions to the horror genre, will be honored with the Oscar Wilde Award on March 12, 2024. The award ceremony, taking place at the Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, marks the 20th anniversary of this prestigious event, which celebrates individuals from Ireland and beyond who have made notable contributions to film, television, and music.
The US-Ireland Alliance, which organizes the awards, has previously announced that fellow honorees include acclaimed actors Maura Tierney and Domhnall Gleeson. The ceremony will also feature a performance by Irish singer Dave Lofts, adding to the event’s celebratory atmosphere.
Cronin, who grew up in the coastal town of Skerries near Dublin, initially dreamed of becoming a fisherman, a clown, or a Ghostbuster. His passion for classic genre films ultimately led him to pursue a career in filmmaking. His breakout feature, The Hole in the Ground, premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival after being acquired by A24 and DirecTV, establishing him as a formidable talent in the horror landscape.
Following this success, Cronin directed Evil Dead Rise, which premiered at SXSW 2023 and achieved impressive box office results, earning $147 million worldwide on a production budget of $19 million. This installment became the fifth and highest-grossing film in the Evil Dead franchise, garnering Cronin the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Director.
Looking ahead, Cronin’s highly anticipated reboot of The Mummy is set for a global release on April 17, 2024. Produced by James Wan‘s Atomic Monster, Jason Blum‘s Blumhouse, and New Line, this film is expected to deliver a fresh take on the classic story. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Cronin hinted at the film’s unique direction, saying, “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 recognition of Cronin’s work has been noted by Trina Vargo, president of the US-Ireland Alliance, who praised his impressive career trajectory. “To have his name precede the title of the film, that’s a rarity for any director,” she stated, highlighting the significance of his achievements.
The Oscar Wilde Awards are supported by major sponsors including Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland, reinforcing their commitment to celebrating artistic excellence within the film community. As Cronin prepares to receive this accolade, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and a testament to the vibrant talent emerging from Ireland.
