Jim Sheridan

Biography

Jim Sheridan (born February 6, 1949, in Dublin, Ireland) is a highly decorated Irish playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director.1 He is a prominent figure in the New Wave of Irish filmmaking, known for directing deeply humanistic, often politically charged dramas centered on Irish life and history.2

Early Life and Foundations

Sheridan's career began in the theater. After attending University College Dublin, he studied at the Abbey School of Acting and was instrumental in co-founding the Project Theatre in Dublin, an influential center for the avant-garde arts.3 In 1981, he moved to New York and became the director of the Irish Arts Center, honing his skills as a writer and artistic director before transitioning into film.4

Notable Career Highlights

Sheridan’s work is distinguished by his three highly successful collaborations with actor Daniel Day-Lewis, cementing his reputation for drawing powerful, Oscar-caliber performances from his cast.5

Year

Film Title

Role

Awards & Recognition

1989

My Left Foot

Director, Co-Writer

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, winning 2 (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress). Sheridan's directorial debut.

1990

The Field

Director, Writer

Nominated for a Best Actor Oscar (Richard Harris).

1993

In the Name of the Father

Director, Co-Writer, Producer

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. Winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

1997

The Boxer

Director, Co-Writer, Producer

Nominated for 3 Golden Globe Awards. His third film with Daniel Day-Lewis.

2002

In America

Director, Co-Writer, Producer

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay (which he co-wrote with his daughters, Naomi and Kirsten).

In total, films directed or co-written by Sheridan have amassed 16 Academy Award nominations, establishing him as one of Ireland's most influential and critically praised filmmakers.6 Later in his career, he directed major studio productions such as the biographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005) and the psychological thriller Brothers (2009).7