Draft:James Martin (Irish actor)

James Martin, born in Belfast, is an actor known for his role in the Academy Award–winning movie An Irish Goodbye. He was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023 in recognition of his contributions to drama. Also in 2023, the Northern Ireland-produced short film in which he had a lead role, won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Live Action.

Early life and career
James Martin, who was born with Down syndrome, started acting when he was a teenager and joined the play club Babosh in his birthplace of Belfast. His first TV appearance came in the BBC NI drama "Ups and Downs," where he played the character Conal.

Awards and recognition
James Martin's portrayal in "Ups and Downs" brought him several honours, such as the Hollywood International Diversity Festival's and the New York TV Festival's Best Actor prize.

His big break came from playing the lead in the Academy Award–winning movie An Irish Goodbye. He was recognised for his contributions to drama with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award.

James Martin, the son of the sportswriter Ivan Martin, assists his father by conducting post-game interviews at nearby football games. Martin is also known for his work in a variety of venues outside of performing, such as the Scalini restaurant and the town centre Starbucks. He also acts as an ambassador for Mencap, a nonprofit that supports people with learning disabilities.