Donegal teen voices role in film nominated for two Oscars

An animated movie which features the voice of a Donegal schoolboy has been nominated for two Oscars.

Art Parkinson, a 15-year-old pupil at Coláiste Chineál Eoghain in Buncrana, is already an old hand at acting having starred in Game of Thrones.

He plays the lead role in the animated film ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’.

It's nominated for two Oscars - including Best Animated Movie.

Art told UTV: “The film's basically about a young lad, he's a young Japanese lad, and he's on a quest to find this magical suit of armour and on his way he finds a lot of parental guidance that he's never really had in his life.

“You know, it's kind of this epic quest. It's different because I couldn't put myself in the physical environment of the character so I had to mentally find a way to slip into the character's mind.”

Art heard about the Oscar nominations from his maths teacher, Derval Newman.

“We were keeping a close eye on the internet yesterday hoping to see a nomination and we were, I was delighted to see that they were doubly nominated,” she said.

“There is a buzz around, but it's the students themselves that keep him very grounded. He doesn't get away with very much. So, you know, he's just one of the lads.”

Acting must be in Art's DNA, with his mother and older brothers also in the acting profession.

His brother Padraig said: “Ever since I can remember, me and Art and Pearse have been acting.

“My mum's been taking us to drama classes and we've been helping out and we've been all over the place - all over the world. It's great that he's here, and it's such a small school - learning for Irish - and going away to the Oscars, it's crazy.”

Schoolwork permitting, Art is hoping to be at the Oscars ceremony next month.