New Yorker Amy plays a Kate McCann-type role in 'Gone Baby Gone,' a movie that bears so many remarkable similarities to the Maddy case that its UK release has been delayed.

The similarities are entirely coincidental, as Ben Affleck's directorial debut is based on the Dennis Lehane bestseller of the same name that was published several years ago.

But movie buffs have nevertheless passed comment on how similar Ryan resembles the real life Kate McCann.

And, in a further twist, the role of the Amanda McCreadie, the little girl who goes missing, is played by a five year old called who just happens to be called Madeline (O'Brien).

After the movie's first screenings in France last year, it became apparent that it resembled the McCann case more closely than the film-makers had realised.

Affleck acknowledged that the film had a resonance that he wasn't previously aware of with UK audiences, and was the first to indicate that the UK distributor was reconsidering the release strategy for the film, which should have been on general release last month.

Affleck said: "We are acutely aware of the situation and we have a greater concern for that than the release of our film, which is just a commercial matter, whereas this is a matter of life and death.

"We don't want to release the movie if it is going to touch a nerve or inflame anyone's sensitivities."

Ryan will be up against Ireland's big hope for an Academy Award this year - Co Carlow schoolgirl Saoirse Ronan.

The 13-year-old, from the village of Ardattin, has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the movie Atonement.

And there could well be Ulster success at this year's ceremony. Co Armagh man Seamus McGarvey has been nominated in the Best Cinematography category for his work on Atonement.

Also up for an Oscar for Best Actor is Sweeney Todd star Johnny Depp.

The Tim Burton movie features Coleraine actress Jayne Wisener, who makes her big screen debut in the macabre musical.

However there was disappointment for Keira Knightley, who missed out on a best actress nomination, but veteran Julie Christie is shortlisted for her role in Away From Her.