Oscars audience sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to ‘Irish Goodbye’ star James Martin

James Martin received a special birthday present after ‘An Irish Goodbye’ won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short on Sunday night.

The film follows two estranged brothers, one of whom has Down Syndrome as they deal with the death of their mother.

“Thank you to the Academy and to everyone back in Northern Ireland, we wish we could list you all” said an emotional Ross White, the 27-year-old co-director of the film as he took to the stage.

Rather than deliver a length speech, Ross and co-director Tom Berkeley opted to use their time on stage to ask all the guests in the Dolby Theater to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Martin - who turned 31.

“This award is actually the second most important thing about today because it’s [James Martin’s] birthday,” said Berkeley.

“He’s out here in Hollywood wearing a leopard-print suit jacket. We would love to use the rest of our time up here to sing to James.”

The actor, who has Down’s Syndrome, was visibly touched by the gesture. James could also be seen giving a thumbs up to the audience, before the camera showed Colin Farrell, who gave a thumbs up back

‘An Irish Goodbye’ was considered a front runner in the category, having picked up the BAFTA equivalent last month in London.