THE Oscars party will kick in early for two Irish actors and an "honorary Irish" producer receiving awards today.

Actors Colm Meaney and Fiona Shaw along with film producer James L Brooks receive awards today for their contributions to the big screen and for their representation of the Irish through their work.

They will be honoured at the third annual pre-Academy Awards party in Los Angeles.

"Every year we look at names and possibilities for the awards," said Trina Vargo, president of the US-Ireland Alliance, a Washington DC-based nonprofit body that works to foster ties between Ireland and America and is hosting the event. "You want a good mix of people. There are a million things to consider."

Each receives the Oscar Wilde: Honouring the Irish in Film award.

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