Barry Keoghan returned to the red carpet when the new film Bird premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday afternoon.
With the bath water still warm surrounding his latest leading role, the Saltburn star joined the cast and crew on the Croisette to promote his latest film, a hard-hitting drama set in suburban Kent.
Keoghan, 31, plays Bug in the new film, a heavily tattooed single father of two who lives hand-to-mouth with his children in a run-down squat.
And on Thursday he was joined by his main cast, including child actress Nykiya Adams, who makes her film debut as Bailey alongside the Irish actor.
The pair were seen flashing peace signs for waiting photographers before walking up the stairs of the Croisette, with Keoghan crouching down to make sure he and Adams were facing each other.
Barry Keoghan was joined by young co-star Nykiya Adams on the red carpet as they promoted new movie Bird on the back of the red carpet as new movie Bird at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday afternoon.
The couple was seen flashing peace signs for waiting photographers before walking up the stairs of the Croisette.
Keoghan plays Bug in the new film, a heavily tattooed single father of two who lives hand-to-mouth with his children in a run-down squat.
Bird director Andrea Arnold was on hand after accepting the 2024 Carrosse d’Or (Golden Trainer Award) at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight on Wednesday.
“It was the most difficult film I’ve ever made,” he told those attending his production. ‘There were many challenges, more than usual, and there seemed to be more restrictions than I had ever known.
‘A lot of things I put on the page and cared about were lost, so editing was very difficult. It was proving very difficult to extract anything from the film I had planned from the reeds.
“I was grieving the losses and feeling quite vulnerable.”
Without directly referring to the film’s challenges, he added: “With all his words of support and recognition, and it was awarded by the French Society of Directors, people who understood what it is to make a film and people who would understand what I was going for.” going”. , at that moment, I found the words to talk about my work incredibly moving.
‘It made me feel that others were with me. It renewed my energy and determination to continue doing what I was doing, to try to find the essence of the film I had intended.
“It also made me think about what it means to receive support and encouragement, and how crucial it is.”
Keoghan rose to fame in The Banshees of Inisherin, which earned him a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor, while he was also nominated for an Oscar in the same category.
Keoghan looked suitably dapper in a Burberry shirt, tuxedo jacket and trousers as he greeted onlookers in the south of France on Thursday.
Fontaines DC musician Carlos O’Connell also joined the Irish actor on the red carpet.
Franz Rogowski, who plays the main character in the new film, was also present at Cannes
Bird’s co-stars Franz Rogowski, Barry Keoghan and Nykiya Adams offered peace signs to the assembled press as they posed on the steps of the Croisette.
(L-R) Bird actress Jasmine Jobson and DC Fontaines musician Carlos O’Connell in Cannes
Keoghan and Adams crouched behind cinematographer Robbie Ryan as he took photos on the red carpet.
The Irish actor has also played major roles in The Batman, Eternals, American Animals, Dunkirk and Chernobyl.
In May 2023 it was confirmed that he had been chosen to star in director Andrea Arnold’s Bird, alongside Franz Rogowski.
His decision to star in Bird resulted in his withdrawal from Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator sequel due to a scheduling conflict.
He was due to play Emperor Geta in the new film Gladiator, but has since been replaced by Fred Hechinger.
Keoghan appeared to be in high spirits as she walked the red carpet on the Croisette in Cannes.
The Irish actor has also played major roles in The Batman, Eternals, American Animals, Dunkirk, Chernobyl and The Banshees of Inisherin.
