Cillian Murphy was left “dazed” after his “meaningful” Oscar win, which saw him become the first Irish-born star to win the coveted Best Actor gong.
The 47-year-old actor was honored for his work in 'Oppenheimer' at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night (March 24, 10), where he shared the award with Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda. It was Ireland's first win at the awards ceremony since Flickr. He won the award in 1990 for “My Left Foot.”
But Day-Lewis was born in London and Murphy became Ireland's first Best Actor Oscar winner, a big moment he never forgot. “I'm a little stunned, I'm very overwhelmed, I'm very humbled, I'm very grateful, I'm very proud,” Murphy told reporters in the press room after picking up his statuette. “I think so,” he said. To be an Irishman standing here today.
“This really means something to me. I don't know if I said this in my speech because I can't remember what I said. I just wanted to say that I think we're very good at supporting artists in Ireland. “I think we need to continue to support artists and the next generation of actors and directors. I think that's very important. That's all I'm saying.”
Asked if he was “satisfied” with his memorable role as atomic bomb scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film, the actor replied: “I'm very happy. That means I have to move on. But this was a very big deal.” moment for me.
“This film is special to me and to myself. [director] Chris [Nolan] There is such a special relationship. And I'm very honored to continue working with him. And I'm very proud that this is a provocative, questioning, challenging film, but still so many people went to see it, so I'm really, really proud of it. ”
Murphy said of his relationship with director Christopher Nolan: “It's very, very special. We've worked together for 20 years. I think he's the perfect director, he's an extraordinary writer, he's an extraordinary actor. He is also a director,” he added.
“He brought this movie to life in a way that no one else in the world has ever done. I can't believe how lucky I am. I did a screen test for him when I was a kid, I thought that was enough and that was enough.''I was in the room with Chris for a few hours and here we are, so I'm really humbled and grateful.''