Saoirse Ronan

Cast · Director

Born

April 12, 1994 · The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Birth name

Saoirse Una Ronan

“The written word can be powerful and beautiful - but films transport us to another place in a way that even the most evocative words never can.” Saoirse Ronan is an Irish-American actress widely regarded as one of the most versatile performers of her generation. She was born in New York City and raised in Ireland, where she began her informal acting training at an early age. She started her career on television at the age of nine, appearing in series such as The Clinic, and made her film debut in Amy Heckerling’s romantic comedy I Could Never Be Your Woman. However, her breakout role came with Atonement (2007), for which she received her first Academy Award nomination at just 13 years old. Throughout her career, she has worked with acclaimed directors such as Joe Wright, Greta Gerwig, and Wes Anderson. Her most notable films include The Lovely Bones (2009), Hanna (2011), Brooklyn (2015), Lady Bird (2017), Little Women (2019), Ammonite (2020), See How They Run (2022), and The Outrun (2024), in which she played a young woman in recovery returning to the Orkney Islands—a performance praised at international film festivals. She has been nominated for four Academy Awards and has won a Golden Globe, along with numerous accolades from critics. In 2025, she starred in the historical drama Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen, further solidifying her presence in auteur cinema. Throughout her career, Ronan has demonstrated an acute artistic sensitivity, often choosing emotionally complex and challenging roles, and seamlessly blending independent cinema with major international productions. Saoirse made her first TV appearance with a small role in a few episodes of the TV series, The Clinic (2003). Her first film appearance was in the 2007 movie, I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007). Saoirse received international fame after appearing in the movie, Atonement (2007), which was directed by Joe Wright. The movie co-starred Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. The film was successful, both critically and commercially, and in 2008, Saoirse earned an Oscar nomination for her role. She became one of the youngest actresses to be nominated for an Oscar. She continued to earn success and fame. Between 2008 to 2011, she starred in a number of successful movies, including City of Ember (2008), which earned her a nomination for Irish Film & Television Award, The Lovely Bones (2009), for which she was nominated for a BAFTA Award, and The Way Back (2010), for which she won Irish Film & Television Award for Actress in a Supporting Role. In 2016, Ronan was nominated for her second Oscar for Brooklyn (2015). She became the second youngest actress to receive two Oscar nominations at the age of 21. The youngest actress is Angela Lansbury.. In 2018, Ronan was nominated for her third Oscar for Lady Bird (2017). She's the second youngest actress (first being Jennifer Lawrence) to receive three Oscar nominations before the age of 24. Saoirse Ronan resides in London, United Kingdom.