According to Variety, Ronan told the crowd that though her name, which is of Irish origin, may be difficult for some to pronounce, she hasn't felt pushed to change it for work reasons. "I’ve never been one to be steered when it comes to how I look or let myself be portrayed," she said.

Ellen DeGeneres Teaches World How to Pronounce Saoirse Ronan's Name

The stage and screen actress was at the festival to receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award for her role in the film "Brooklyn," for which she scored her second Oscar nomination.

While the young star may have a typically Irish name, she was actually born in the Bronx. The daughter of Irish immigrants, including an actor father, she moved back to Ireland when she was a girl. Ronan recently told Playbill that her mother will be returning to New York with her as she prepares for her role on Broadway. "For her to then come back with me, 21 years later, and get me settled into a nice apartment to do a play on Broadway — we can really appreciate how monumental it is. As a family we've gone full circle," she said.

Read more: How Saoirse Ronan's Mom Is Preparing Her for Her Broadway Debut The star was nominated for a Golden Globe and Academy Award at just 14 years old for her performance in "Atonement" alongside Keira Knightley. She will play Abigail Williams in The Crucible, beginning previews March 31.