Saoirse Ronan: Ireland's Jewel

Despite being heavily overshadowed by bigger and well-known names in Hollywood, eighteen year-old Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has made her mark in the world of Hollywood. Much like other actors and actresses her age, Ronan started young landing her first role at age 9 in the RTE medical drama known as The Clinic and Proof soon after. Her first actual film role came in 2007, where she played Celia Harwick in the British-produced movie The Christmas Miracle of Johnathan Toomey.

International acclaim came when Ronan starred in Joe Wright's film adaptation of Ian McEwan's book Atonement. The film was a financial and critical success, earning several awards. Ronan was well-received by critics for her acting ability which eventually landed her nominations for a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award (of which she is among one of the youngest to be nominated). In 2008, she played the lead role of Lina Mayfleet in the adaptation of the book City of Ember.

Ronan's next big break came when she was cast as Susie Salmon in Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones. Despite the film receiving generally mixed reviews, Ronan was once again well-received and praised for her acting. Her performance won her a Critics' Choice Award, a Saturn Award, and a second nomination for a BAFTA. The following year, she starred in the war drama film The Way Bay alongside Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, and Jim Sturgess.

In 2011, Ronan was reunited with Joe Wright to play the lead role in the action thriller Hanna. Ronan's role won her a fifth Irish Film & Television Award (the previous four including Atonement, Death Defying Acts, The Lovely Bones, and The Way Back).

With several upcoming film projects, a strong reputation for remarkable acting, and a growing fan base, Ronan has established herself as a powerful and upcoming force in the filmmaking business.