The Irish Film Institute has named Saoirse Ronan as its inaugural ambassador.

Ronan's role includes a three-year commitment to act as an advocate for the IFI's work in exhibition, preservation and education.

The Oscar-nominated star has worked with IFI in the past. In 2011, she featured in the institute's preservation fundraising campaign. She lent her talents to help raise awareness of vital funds needed to build a new preservation facility for materials preserved in the Irish Film Archive.

Ronan said:

“I am delighted to have been asked to be the inaugural IFI Ambassador. Film in Ireland is always something I will support. Our industry is going from strength to strength through the incredible projects being produced at home and abroad by Irish filmmakers, and by producers from across the pond also.

"IFI has always cared about great cinema, and I am honoured to play a small part in their effort to share the brilliant work that is out there with as many people as possible.”

She gained prominence in 2007 with a starring role in Atonement, for which she received Golden Globe, BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. Ronan has earned praise for her roles in Brooklyn and Ladybird and more recently was nominated for an Oscar for her leading role in Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Little Women.