An Irish Goodbye starring James Martin wins Oscar for best live action short film

An Irish Goodbye has won the award for best short film at the Oscars.

Shot entirely on location in Northern Ireland, the black comedy follows the story of two estranged brothers coming to terms with the death of their mother.

Co-directors Ross White and Tom Berkeley led a chorus of 'Happy Birthday' for the film's star James Martin as they took to the stage to accept the award.

The Oscars took place on his 31st birthday.

"It is this man's birthday," Berkeley told the star-studded audience. "He is out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard print suit jacket.

"We would love to use the rest of our time up here to sing for James."

Famous faces including fellow Irish star Colin Farrell were seen joining in the song, which was followed by cheers and a round of applause at the Dolby Theatre.

"It was actually really nice of them to do it," James Martin told Good Morning Britain. "Colin Farrell up there, Brendan Gleeson, the donkey and everyone else.

“It was really lovely."

Richard Williams from Northern Ireland Screen, which funded the film, said: “Ross and Tom have done us incredibly proud.

"This Oscar win not only raises the profile of the film industry in Northern Ireland but also the beauty of our landscape.

James Martin in An Irish Goodbye. Credit: Northern Ireland Screen

"To win an Oscar is international recognition at the highest possible level.

"This win, along with their recent BAFTA win, is a huge milestone for the professional careers of this filmmaking team."

The Oscars also saw success for  Dubliner Richard Baneham, who was among those who won the prize for visual effects for Avatar: The Way Of Water.

Meanwhile The Banshees of Inisherin, which had been nominated in nine categories, went home empty-handed.

Everything Everywhere All at Once wins big at the Oscars
Who won Oscars at this year's Academy Awards in Hollywood?

The Asian-American sci-fi film Everything Everywhere All At Once was the night's biggest winner as it picked up seven Oscars from 11 nominations.

Irish President Michael D Higgins hailed a "remarkable" year for the Irish film industry.

"May I congratulate An Irish Goodbye and Richard Baneham for their fantastic achievements in winning the Best Live-Action Short Film and Best Visual Effects Awards respectively at last night's Oscars ceremony," he said.

"May I further extend my congratulations to Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal, Kerry Condon, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Jonathan Redmond and all involved with An Cailin Ciuin and The Banshees Of Inisherin for the exceptional recognition of their work which being nominated for an Academy Award constitutes.

"This has been a remarkable year for the Irish film industry and is a testament to the hard work of so many people over recent decades."

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