There was excitement in Dublin Airport today as Irish Oscar nominees Andrew Freedman and John Kelly took off for Hollywood.
The duo were given a warm Aer Lingus welcome as they boarded flight EI069 for Los Angeles, where their film Retirement Plan is nominated for Best Animated Short at the 98th Academy Awards.
Directed by John Kelly and produced by Andrew Freedman’s Antidote Films, Retirement Plan stars Domhnall Gleeson as the voice of Ray, a man daydreaming about all the things he’ll do once he retires. The film’s heartfelt humour has resonated with audiences since its international premiere last year and has become a firm favourite on the festival circuit. In a serendipitous twist, the film even features an Aer Lingus aircraft flying overhead as Ray reflects on his future.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, 15 March, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating outstanding achievements in filmmaking from around the world. Irish talent is strongly represented across the ceremony’s 24 categories, and Aer Lingus is proud to play its part in connecting Ireland with the global stage through its direct service to Los Angeles.
Aer Lingus operates up to six weekly flights from Dublin to Los Angeles in March, increasing to daily services for the summer season. The airline’s inflight entertainment offering includes Oscar-nominated titles such as One Battle After Another and Bugonia. In 2026, Aer Lingus will operate 24 routes from Ireland to North America, including new services to Raleigh‑Durham and Pittsburgh.
Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer, Aer Lingus, said: “Aer Lingus takes great pride in supporting Irish creative talent and it is our pleasure to welcome Andrew and John on board flight EI069 as they travel to Los Angeles for this incredible moment in their careers. We wish them, and all Irish nominees, the very best of luck at the Academy Awards.
“We’d be more than happy to make space for a golden statuette on the flight home to Dublin.”
John Kelly, director of Retirement Plan, said: “We really want to make the most of this experience – so we’ll attend as many events as they’ll let us into. For starters we have an exhibition at the Academy Museum on Saturday March 7th, and the Oscar Wilde awards on Thursday 12th.”
“Making short films is a labour of love – to have the support of Aer Lingus allows us fly the flag for Irish animation and storytelling on the international stage.”
Andrew Freedman, Producer and founder of Antidote Films, said: “Oscar week is looking incredibly busy. There are screenings, events, parties and meetings. Having an opportunity to meet the other filmmakers and nominees at events organised by the Oscars is particularly appealing. The scale of the operation is hard to describe and we want to try and make the very most of our time in LA.
“A huge thank you to Aer Lingus for getting us to LA—literally! It’s incredible to have this chance to celebrate our nomination and to represent Ireland on the word stage.”
