Sir Kenneth Branagh, 61, is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 last week

Sir Kenneth Branagh is isolating in New York after testing positive for Covid-19 last week and risks missing The Academy Awards in LA this Sunday. 

The 61-year-old director of the Oscar-nominated film Belfast is one of Britain’s best hope for scooping gongs at the glitzy ceremony, with the movie given nods in a whopping seven categories. 

A spokesperson for the star said that he had first tested positive ‘early last week’ and he missed the Producers Guild Awards (PGA) event last Saturday and participated virtually instead. 

Ciarán Hinds, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Belfast, also tested positive last week. Both are due to attend the Oscars but are currently isolating in New York.  

Jude Hill, who won best young actor at the Critics Choice Awards for his role in the film, revealed at the weekend that the pair had both tested positive.

The youngster, who stars as Buddy in Belfast, revealed at the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday: ‘We have the Focus Features teams, and I’m sitting at that table, and the rest of the cast couldn’t be here because, sadly, Ciaran and Ken have Covid-19. But they’ll be here in spirit.’ 

On March 13, Branagh attended the BAFTA ceremony in London before flying back to New York on March 15 and shortly after tested positive. 

Star: The 61-year-old director of the Oscar-nominated film Belfast is one of Britain’s best hope for scooping gongs at the glitzy ceremony, with the movie given nods in a whopping seven categories

He did attend the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala on March 15.  

A spokesman for Kenneth said: ‘Early last week, after arriving in the States, Kenneth Branagh and Ciaran Hinds tested positive for Covid.

‘Both will be observing an isolation period and hopefully will be able to continue their engagements for the film Belfast once that is over, they test negative and, of course, are feeling well enough.’ 

A representative for Kenneth has been contacted by MailOnline for further comment. 

He will also miss this year’s Oscar Wilde Awards, due to be held on Thursday, after testing positive for Covid-19.

Unwell: Ciarán Hinds (pictured), nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Belfast, also tested positive last week. Both are due to attend the Oscars but are currently isolating in New York

The award-winning director was due to be honoured at the ceremony, which takes place in Los Angeles just days before the 94th Academy Awards.

The stars of his film Belfast, Jamie Dornan and Catriona Balfe are due to attend, with Dornan also being honoured, and Balfe presenting.

The PA news agency understands that Sir Kenneth plans to send a taped acceptance speech. 

Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay, who goes head to head with Sir Kenneth for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, will also be honoured at the Oscar Wilde Awards.

Plot: Belfast is based on Sir Kenneth’s childhood in Belfast during the Troubles in the late 1960s (Jamie, Caitriona Balfe, Jude Hill and Lewis McAskie are pictured in the film)

Balfe is a previous winner of an Oscar Wilde award and will present the Wilde Card Award to up and coming Irish actor Donall O Healai. 

The ceremony is due to be held at the Ebell of Los Angeles on March 24, having previously moved venue due to concerns over coronavirus.

This will be the first in-person Academy Awards since just before the pandemic in February 2020, as in 2021 it was held mostly virtually. 

All guests at this year’s Oscars will be asked to submit negative Covid-19 tests and proof of vaccination.

Presenters and performers will not have to be vaccinated but will have to show they have recently tested negative for the virus. 

Earlier this month, ‘Belfast’ won the Outstanding British Film award at the BAFTAs.

The film’s star, 11-year-old Jude Hill who plays the leading role, Buddy, scooped the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Young Actor earlier this month too.

Belfast is based on Sir Kenneth’s childhood in Belfast during the Troubles in the late 1960s, and was shown for the first time in his hometown in November 2021 at the opening of Belfast’s film festival. 

Negative then: Ciaran and Kenneth did attend the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala on March 15 (pictured at the event)