Paul Mescal’s first-ever Oscar nomination comes as mum prepares for cancer treatment

Paul Mescal’s first-ever Oscar nomination was bittersweet as on the same day that he received it, his mum was preparing to undergo chemotherapy.

The 26-year-old Irish star has been nominated alongside the likes of Colin Farrell and Austin Butler in the best actor category for his portrayal of Calum Paterson in the 2022 drama film, Aftersun, which was written and directed by Charlotte Wells.

He celebrated the news during a family FaceTime call, which was later shared online by his sister Nell, 19, along with the heartbreaking news about their mum, Dearbhla.

The singer-songwriter wrote: “My mum got a haircut today in prep for her chemotherapy and then paul got nominated for an oscar life is so crazy [sic].”

Addressing the issue herself on social media, Dearbhla told her followers that she was starting to “live with cancer”, having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a type of bone marrow cancer – in July 2022.

The primary school teacher said: “I have decided that I am going to cut my hair short today – as a first cut and then the next cut will be the short, short, short cut – the hospital short cut.

“I know what’s ahead because I have been informed by my wonderful team and I want to be ready so that when I’m in the hospital I’m only concentrating on that battle. This is the final stage for me to start living with this cancer.”

In a recent interview with the Standard, Nell Mescal said: “I’m really proud of Paul, but I’m in my own lane”.