· [On Joe Wright, director of Atonement (2007)] He has a great way of getting the message across, like if I’m confused about doing a scene or a certain line or something, he explains it so well and so clearly. He’s just fantastic

· [On Briony Tallis, Atonement (2007)] She is such an amazing character and I’m so lucky to play her.

· [On being nominated for an Oscar]It’s unbelievable. Mom and I were in bed and dad was waiting up for the announcements again, because that’s the way my daddy is. It’s kind of a bit weird actually, in a good way, in a fantastic way. I never expected this in a million years to happen. I can’t believe it. I’m really proud as well that two Irish paddies have been nominated for an Oscar for the same film. It’s really great for Ireland, great.

· It’s not work, it is more of a passion. It is so much fun and it is really makes you feel great at the end of the day. You feel like you are really after doing something good and you are after accomplishing something. Acting is one of these things that I can’t really describe – it’s just like, why do you love your mum and dad? You know, you just do.

· I like books that are exciting and that make you think about things, as well. I like things that have a twist – like Atonement (2007), which I haven’t read obviously, as I’m a bit young.

· Be the person I’m playing. That’s what acting is. You’re pretending to be someone else.

· I’m a bit of a perfectionist, I guess, so I pushed myself quite a bit.