Van Morrison honored for film contribution

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S.-Ireland Alliance has honored Van Morrison in Los Angeles, recognizing the Irishman's musical contributions to the movies.

At its second annual "Oscar Wilde: Honoring Irish Writing in Film" event, the organization also honored "Hotel Rwanda" writer-director Terry George and "The Departed" screenwriter William Monahan, the Independent said Friday.

Morrison's song "Wild Night" featured prominently in "Thelma and Louise," and his live duet with Roger Waters on Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" was featured in "The Departed" -- which is nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture and best screenplay adaptation.

U.S.-Ireland Alliance President Trina Vargo said Thursday's event has been called a great Oscar week activity because "no one is trapped at a dinner table, there are only three awards, no long speeches and you can wear jeans."

Vargo said the show's purpose was to bring American and Irish film professionals together.