Belfast — Every year, the Academy Awards spark audiences' interest in new stars or inspire them to revisit the work of old favorites. In March, Friday Night Flicks, Belfast Free Library's free film series, will highlight early work by three of this year's most celebrated Oscar recipients. All the films will be presented at 7 p.m., free of charge, in the Abbott Room of the library, 106 High St.

One of the finest early works by this year's winner of the best director Oscar, Ang Lee's “The Ice Storm” features an ensemble cast that includes Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Joan Allen and Tobey Maguire. Two dysfunctional families struggle to deal with the cultural changes of the 1970s in this compelling drama, presented on March 8.

Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence first came to the attention of audiences and critics for her terrific performance as a rural teenage girl who must find her absent father in order to save the family from eviction in “Winter's Bone.” Her search plunges her into the underground world of drugs and violence. “Winter's Bone “will be shown on March 22.

Daniel Day-Lewis made history this year as the first three-time Best Actor recipient. “In The Name Of The Father,” shown on March 29, is one of his best early films. It is based on the true story of The Guildford Four, who were falsely accused of being IRA bombers. Emma Thompson and Pete Postlethwaite also star.

Courier Publications’ A&E Editor Dagney C. Ernest can be reached at (207) 594-4401, ext. 115 or dernest@courierpublicationsllc.com.