A Night Out With "Once" Oscar Nominee Couple

WITH its microscopic budget, the Irish film "Once" could have disappeared from theaters without acknowledgment; instead it earned Oscar and Grammy nominations for its musical stars, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. But when Mr. Hansard and Ms. Irglova came to town recently for their first-ever awards season, they did not stay in a luxurious hotel. Like many artists trying to stay afloat in the indie world, they crashed at a friend's house. A few days before they were to perform their nominated song "Falling Slowly" at the Academy Awards, the two musicians -- who went from on-screen pair to real-life couple -- borrowed a car and drove to Amoeba Music on Sunset Boulevard. They were besieged by fans. " 'Once' was so authentic," a young man said enthusiastically. (link)