Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan in a scene from the film "Atonement." The young actress was born in New York to Irish parents. Her father is an actor and she was raised in Ireland. She got her start in acting on multiple episodes of two Irish television series. Her first major motion picture appearance to be filmed was in the movie "Death Defying Acts," although its release has been delayed until 2008.

This photo released by Focus Features shows actors Saoirse Ronan, left, and James McAvoy in a scene from "Atonement." "Atonement" received seven nominations, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, including best picture and best supporting actress for Ronan, the only pe — AP Photo/Focus Features

Actors Saoirse Ronan, left, and James McAvoy in a scene from "Atonement." "Atonement" received seven nominations, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, including best picture and best supporting actress for Ronan, the only performer nominated for that film.

Actresses Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan and Vanessa Redgrave arrive at the premiere Of Focus Features' "Atonement" at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Dec. 6, 2007, in Los Angeles.

From left, CEO of Focus Features James Schamus, director Joe Wright, actress Keira Knightley, actress Saoirse Ronan, actress Vanessa Redgrave, actor James McAvoy and President of Focus Features Andrew Karpen arrive to the premiere of "Atonement" at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Dec. 6, 2007, in Los Angeles.

From left, British actor James McAvoy, actress Vanessa Redgrave, director Joe Wright, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan and British actress Keira Knightley pose during the photo call for the opening of "Atonement" at the 64th Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007.

Director Joe Wright, center, poses with cast members for his movie "Atonement" during the first day of the 64th Annual Venice Film Festival on Aug. 29, 2007, in Venice, Italy. From left are actresses Vanessa Redgrave, Saoirse Ronan, Keira Knightley and actor James McAvoy. Redgrave and Ronan play the same character at different ages.