In a historic win, Cillian Murphy became the first Irish-born recipient of the Best Actor award, as the film “Oppenheimer” swept the Oscars ceremony.
The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, not only clinched the prestigious Best Picture award but also secured Best Director for Nolan himself, along with Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.
Murphy’s portrayal of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer earned him the accolade of Best Leading Actor. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Murphy expressed his pride as an Irishman and extended gratitude to Nolan and producer Emma Thomas for their impactful collaboration.
Acknowledging the immense significance of Oppenheimer’s legacy, Murphy dedicated the award to peacemakers worldwide, reflecting on the profound implications of Oppenheimer’s contributions, particularly in the creation of the atomic bomb.
Downey Jr., known for his iconic portrayal of Marvel’s Iron Man, was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role as US government official Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer.” In his acceptance speech, Downey Jr. humorously attributed his success to his tumultuous past and thanked his wife, Susan Downey, for her unwavering support.
Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the ceremony witnessed witty banter and memorable moments. Kimmel quipped about the length of nominated films and even read out a humorous online post from former US President Donald Trump, eliciting laughter from the audience.
While “Oppenheimer” dominated with seven wins, other notable victories included “Poor Things,” which secured Best Actress for Emma Stone, and “The Zone of Interest,” making history as the first British film to win Best International Feature.
Overall, the Oscars celebrated cinematic excellence while showcasing the diverse talent and compelling narratives that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.