Countdown to Oscars

IRELAND’s hopes at the Oscars tomorrow night rest on a reclusive multi-millionaire superstar and four little-known animators.

Enya is hot favourite to lift the award for best original song with May It Be from blockbuster The Lord Of The Rings.

The 40-year-old will perform for the star-studded audience of Hollywood greats and is at the top of all the VIP party lists.

Enya, who has already won a Golden Globe for May It Be, said yesterday: “It’s going to be a very special night. I always get really nervous around the Oscars.

“I feel lucky to be part of it because my heart really is in music. It’s not often you get the chance to cross over and experience the biggest night in the movie business. If I win it will definitely be one of my proudest moments. But you can’t take anything for granted.”

Her co-writer Nicky Ryan said they were both delighted with the nomination, adding: “Enya and I composed the music and my wife Roma wrote the words.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever composed a song for a Hollywood blockbuster and it’s great that it’s worked out so well.

“Lord Of The Rings is up for 13 Oscars so it’s a privilege to be involved in something this big.”