Cillian Murphy has made history as the first Irish-born person to win the best actor award, while “Oppenheimer” claimed multiple Oscars.
The movie led the awards, securing best picture, best director for Christopher Nolan, and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr.
Murphy earned the title of best leading actor for his compelling performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Feeling “overwhelmed” by the win, Murphy expressed, “I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight.”
He expressed gratitude toward Nolan and producer Emma Thomas for “the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively satisfying journey you’ve taken me on.”
The actor also paid tribute to “every single crew and cast member; you carried me through.”
He concluded, “We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or for worse, we are all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.”
“Oppenheimer” took home seven awards, with “Poor Things” and “The Zone of Interest” winning four and two awards, respectively.
Robert Downey Jr. clinched the best supporting actor accolade for his depiction of the US government official Lewis Strauss in the film.
Upon receiving the award, Downey humorously remarked, “First, I’d like to thank my terrible childhood, and the Academy, in that order.”
“I needed this job more than it needed me,” he continued. “I stand here before you a better man because of it.”
He also paid tribute to his wife, Susan Downey, whom he said had found him as “a snarling rescue pet,” adding that she “loved me back to life; that’s why I’m here.”
Renowned for his portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel franchise, the actor has made a significant comeback in Hollywood, overcoming past challenges with severe drug addiction that once resulted in a prison sentence over twenty years ago.
He wrapped up his speech by sharing with the audience, “What we do is meaningful, and what we decide to make is important.”
Host Jimmy Kimmel light-heartedly remarked on the celebration by the cast and crew due to the film’s success.
In his acceptance speech for best director, Nolan said, “Thank you to those who have been there for me, believed in me my whole career.”
Addressing the Academy, he stated, “Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old; we don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here, but to know that you think I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
Al Pacino, looking slightly confused, seemed to skip the introduction of the ten best picture nominees before declaring “Oppenheimer” the winner of the evening’s highest honor.
Upon receiving the award, producer Emma Thomas remarked, “For anyone in filmmaking, this moment is the ultimate dream, though it always feels just beyond reach.”
In addition to its triumphs in best editing, original score, and cinematography, “Oppenheimer” missed out on a few technical awards, preventing it from setting a new record for the most wins.
