Domnhall Gleeson credits Taylor Swift for surprise career highlight, opens up about viral ‘Opalite’ video at 2026 Oscars

Domhnall Gleeson beamed with joy on the 2026 Oscars red carpet, crediting Taylor Swift for turning a casual dream into reality through their fun music video collaboration. The Irish actor, fresh off a nomination for his animated short “Retirement Plan,” opened up about the surreal experience on the Oscar’s red carpet on March, 15,2026.

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Bucket list mania

Domhnall Gleeson, 42, never imagined dancing alongside the global pop icon in her “Opalite” video, released in February 2026, "I'm 42, I've got no business being in Taylor Swift's music video,"





Gleeson first floated the quirky infomercial concept during an October 2025 appearance on 'The Graham Norton Show.' Swift loved the pitch and invited him to star, complete with matching blue and orange tracksuits and a high-energy dance amid dramatic lightning effects. “It was not on my bucket list until it happened, but now it is checked off,” Gleeson laughed, calling it a surprise career highlight, he said during an E! News interview live from the Oscar’s 2026.

The shoot felt like a nostalgic “school project for adults,” blending 90s vibes with pure playfulness. Gleeson admitted he had no business in a Taylor Swift video, yet her team made it effortless and electric. Gleeson further added, "I've been in a few of these music videos."

Gleeson continued. "I'm equally proud of all of them, but there was something special about doing a dance number with Taylor that was not on my bucket list. I didn't realize it was on my bucket list until it happened."

Taylor Swift stacked the cast with Irish stars to amplify the charm. Cillian Murphy, Graham Norton, and others like Lewis Capaldi joined the frenzy, creating an all-out celebration of Gleeson’s homeland. Gleeson, no stranger to music videos after clips with Hozier and his band Squarehead, said this one topped them all for its joyful chaos. He added, "It was incredibly exciting. I had done one with Hozier a couple of years before that that I was incredibly proud of. And then the other music video, I joined a great Irish band called Squarehead."

Fans raved online about the unexpected pairing with clips going viral ahead of Oscar 2026 buzz. Gleeson’s easy rapport with Swift shone through, proving star power crosses genres seamlessly.

Awards season glow

The Oscars timing added extra sparkle. Domhnall Gleeson arrived nominated in Best Animated Short, directed by Conan O’Brien for the ceremony. Days prior, on March 12, the 20th Oscar Wilde Awards in LA honored him, where J.J. Abrams presented the award. Abrams joked that Gleeson’s Swift connection boosted his fame beyond 'Star Wars' fame from roles like General Hux. Gleeson’s career spans heartfelt rom-coms like 'About Time' to intense thrillers, but this lighthearted detour reminded everyone of his versatility and warmth.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”