'I am a very proud Irishman standing here tonight,' Cork's Cillian Murphy takes home Best Actor Oscar

Cork’s Cillian Murphy has been named best actor at the 96th Academy Awards for his performance of ‘the father of the atomic bomb’ in blockbuster hit, Oppenheimer.

The Ballintemple born actor said, “I am a very proud Irishman standing here tonight,” as he accepted his award, becoming the first ever Irish-born actor to win an Academy Award.

“I’m a little overwhelmed. It’s been the wildest, most exhilarating, most powerfully satisfying journey you’ve taken me on over the last 20 years,” he said, thanking producer Emma Thomas and director Christopher Nolan in his acceptance speech. “I owe you more than I can say.” 

The Cork man thanked his parents Brendan and Mary and addressed his wife and children from the stage as he took home his first Oscar:

“Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life and art. My two boys, Malachy and Aran, who are sitting up there, I love you so much. I am a very proud Irishman standing here tonight. 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’d really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere. Go raibh míle maith agat.” 

Oppenheimer was the big winner of the night with seven Oscars. It won Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Actor (Cillian Murphy), ing Actor (Robert Downey Jr), Cinematography (Hoyte Van Hoytema), Original Score (Ludwig Göransson) and Editing (Jennifer Lame).

In a statement, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD was among those congratulating Murphy on his historic win: "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.

"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."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin extended his congratulations to the Cork actor: "Absolutely thrilled and delighted that Cillian Murphy has won the Oscar for his performance in Oppenheimer. Richly deserved. A brilliant performance in an outstanding film that will stand the test of time. A very proud day for Cork and Ireland. Congratulations Cillian."

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy took to the social media platform X, to share his message to the Oscar winner:

"Major congrats to Cillian on his first Oscar. All of Cork is very proud of him, and I look forward to honouring him in City Hall in the not-so-distant future. Cillian remains grounded and humble but is a huge inspiration for all involved in Irish arts."