Cillian Murphy said that he was a “proud Irishman” after winning the Best Actor award at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
The actor took home the award for his role in the Christopher Nolan directed Oppenheimer, one of seven accolades for the film, including best director for Nolan, and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr.
On what was a hugely prosperous night for Irish film, the Dublin-based Element Pictures won out in four categories, including Best Actress for Emma Stone.
This victory also sees a clean sweep for Murphy, having previously won Best Actor at the BAFTA, SAG Awards, as well as the Golden Globes.
“proud Irishman”
Accepting his award, Cillian Murphy declared that he was a “proud Irishman”, while also paying homage to the Oppenheimer crew members and cast, as well as his family.
“I’m a little bit overwhelmed”, Murphy said in his speech, having received a standing ovation at the Dolby Theatre.
The Peaky Blinders star thanked director Christopher Nolan “every single crew member, every single cast member – you carried me through”, and his fellow nominees, adding: “I’m in awe of you guys”.
He also paid tribute to his family, “Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life and art”, and “my two boys, Malachy and Aran, who are sitting up there – I love you so much”.
“I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight,” said Murphy.
“We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or for worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I would really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere”.
“Go raibh míle maith agaibh”, he finished off.
Best Actor in a Leading Role goes to Cillian Murphy! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/4BgQJpd6Ou
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 11, 2024
“immense talent”
Reacting to Murphy’s victory, Catherin Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, and Media, hailed the actor with this statement.
“This award for his title role in Oppenheimer is the pinnacle of any actor’s career and a fitting recognition of the immense talent of Cillian Murphy”, she said.
“Long a favourite of Irish audiences on stage and screen, he has since shown himself to be a master of his craft and has secured his place among the world’s greatest actors. This Oscar success is no more than he deserves, and I wish him every success in all his future films”.
The Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Désirée Finnegan also added, “We are delighted to see such a talented Irish artist receive worldwide recognition and critical acclaim for his extraordinary performance”.
See the full list of winners from the night and more here.
