Following her hilarious onstage moment with Cate Blanchett, the rising star finally enjoyed a spotlight all her own.
This time, she wasn’t asked to step aside—instead, she stepped up to accept the prestigious Best Actress Award from the New York Film Critics Circle.
Saoirse Ronan wears her hair down at the 2016 New York Film Critics Circle Awards held on January 4, 2016, at TAO Downtown in New York (Credit: Rob Rich / WENN)
Saoirse Ronan Accepts Best Actress Award in Chic Victoria Beckham Dress and Statement Heels
Ronan arrived in style at TAO Downtown, a trendy Asian fusion restaurant in New York City, where she walked the red carpet before receiving her well-deserved honor for her performance in the 2015 romantic period drama Brooklyn.
“I’m one of you!” Ronan said when accepting the award. “I am from the Bronx, after all. ‘Saoirse from the Block’ is what they call me,” she joked to a rapturous audience, referencing Jennifer Lopez’s Jenny from the Block. “Now, go back to eating your dessert.”
Saoirse wore a simple one-shoulder black dress from Victoria Beckham, which she styled with a pair of Sophia Webster “Belle” platform heels.
Saoirse Ronan shows off a metallic gold pedicure in black satin Sophia Webster “Belle” platform sandals, featuring crystal-embellished block heels and ankle straps (Credit: Rob Rich / WENN)
She accessorized with gold hoop earrings and a matching metallic manicure.
For such a huge night, we would have liked to see Saoirse in something more elegant and iconic. This look was a bit too bland for our taste.
Saoirse Ronan stuns in a minimalist one-shoulder black Victoria Beckham dress paired with crystal-heel Sophia Webster sandals at the 2016 NYFCC Awards (Credit: Rob Rich / WENN)
Beyond the red carpet, the night was a celebration of Saoirse’s critically acclaimed performance in Brooklyn—a role that resonated deeply with both audiences and critics.
Saoirse Ronan’s Acclaimed Role in Brooklyn Earns Best Actress Honors and an Oscar Nod
Saoirse won the award for her performance as Eilis Lacey in the 2015 romantic period drama film Brooklyn. She portrays an Irish girl who came to America and fell in love.
She was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a homesick Irish immigrant in 1950s New York, but lost to Brie Larson, who won for her role as a kidnapping victim in the drama Room.
The outfits worn by Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey were designed by costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux. She created period-appropriate ensembles, sourcing vintage clothing from costume houses in London and Montreal, to reflect Eilis’s transformation from a shy Irish immigrant to a confident woman in America.
Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey wears a vintage-inspired navy sweater with jeweled detailing and a gingham skirt, capturing 1950s Irish fashion in Brooklyn (Credit: Lionsgate)
From Bronx to Dublin: Why Brooklyn Was Deeply Personal for Saoirse Ronan
Rooney Mara was initially cast in the lead role but was replaced by Saoirse Ronan when the actress from Tanner Hall had to back out.
Born in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, Saoirse Ronan moved to Dublin with her family when she was three years old.
“It was absolutely coincidental, but initially that was the attraction for me, apart from everyone who was involved. The two locations that make up the film are the two locations that make up me, and so it was personal straightaway, just because mom and dad had made such a similar journey, and so many people have,” she told Deadline about her personal connection to the film.
“I think that’s where the real responsibility came from. It’s that you knew you were representing millions of stories, whether they were Irish or not.”
Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey and Domhnall Gleeson as Jim Farrell share a quiet moment by the sea in Brooklyn (2015), adapted from Colm Tóibín’s acclaimed novel (Credit: Lionsgate)
“By the time we made the film, I had moved to London and so I was really homesick. It was the first time that I’ve ever experienced playing a character whose emotional journey was running parallel to mine, and that was really different for me. With something like this, you may think it would be easier because it’s a similar kind of story to your own, or the feeling of it is, but actually I found it a lot more challenging. There’s kind of nothing to hide behind,” she added.
Spotlight on Saoirse Ronan: Iconic Fashion Moments
Saoirse Ronan has consistently impressed on the red carpet with her elegant and bold fashion choices. Explore some of her most memorable style moments:
Saoirse Ronan’s Breakthrough Role in The Lovely Bones
- Event: Premiere of The Lovely Bones
- Outfit: Saoirse captivated audiences in a sophisticated ensemble, marking her transition into more mature roles.
- Footwear: She paired her look with intricate lace-up peep-toe heels, adding a touch of edginess.
- Read more: Saoirse Ronan’s Breakthrough Role in The Lovely Bones
Saoirse Ronan’s BAFTA Tea Look – Did Her Alexandre Birman Heels Make or Break It?
- Event: BAFTA Awards Season Tea
- Outfit: She donned a peach Lela Rose dress with sheer sleeves and delicate embellishments.
- Footwear: Saoirse completed her look with two-toned Alexandre Birman “Lolita” bow sandals.
- See more: Saoirse Ronan’s BAFTA Tea Look – Did Her Alexandre Birman Heels Make or Break It?
How Saoirse Ronan Met Timothée Chalamet Filming Lady Bird
- Event: Filming of Lady Bird
- Outfit: On-screen, Saoirse portrayed the titular character with a wardrobe reflecting teenage angst and individuality.
- Footwear: The film featured a mix of casual sneakers and vintage-inspired shoes, aligning with the early 2000s setting.
- Discover more: How Saoirse Ronan Met Timothée Chalamet Filming Lady Bird
Saoirse Ronan Flaunts Side Boob in Slinky Celine Gown and Heels
- Event: 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards
- Outfit: She turned heads in a sequin-embellished Celine gown with a plunging cowl neck and open back.
- Footwear: The look was completed with strappy heels that complemented the gown’s elegance.
- See her look: Saoirse Ronan Flaunts Side Boob in Slinky Celine Gown and Heels
Galeria Ornament Sandals Worn by Saoirse Ronan and Taraji P. Henson
- Event: 2018 Directors Guild of America Awards
- Outfit: Saoirse wore a metallic blue full-skirted Calvin Klein Collection dress, exuding retro charm.
- Footwear: She showcased Christian Louboutin’s ‘Galeria’ ornament sandals, adding a luxurious touch.
- Explore her style: Galeria Ornament Sandals Worn by Saoirse Ronan and Taraji P. Henson
These highlights underscore Saoirse Ronan’s evolution as a fashion icon, showcasing her versatility and keen eye for style.
Where to Buy Saoirse Ronan’s Sophia Webster “Belle” Heels
To get Saoirse’s satin-and-metallic platform heels from popular footwear designer Sophia Webster, click your way over to Farfetch.
Sophia Webster “Belle” Satin Platform Sandals, £425
Sophia Webster’s Belle sandals are crafted from black suede with elegant crossover straps and decorated with a multicolored crystal-embellished heel for subtle sparkle
Sophia Webster “Belle” Crystal-Embellished Satin Sandals, $550