“I’m a very proud Irishman.”
Cillian Murphy has become the first Irish-born actor to win the Best Actor Oscar.
At the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday night in Los Angeles, the Corkman won the prestigious award for his role as J Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
In his acceptance speech, Murphy thanked Nolan and producer Emma Thomas for their work together over the last 20 years. The trio first worked together in Batman Begins in 2005, and have collaborated on six films together.
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“It’s been the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively satisfying journey you’ve taken me on over the last 20 years,” Murphy said.
“I owe you more than I can say, thank you so much.”
Murphy, 47, also thanked his family and the entire cast and crew of the film.
Finally, the Peaky Blinders star dedicated his award to the “peacemakers” around the world.
Murphy signed off his speech in Irish by saying, “Go raibh mile maith agat” – something which drew praise from Irish people on social media.
You can read Murphy’s speech in full below:
“I’m a little overwhelmed. Thank you to the Academy. Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, it’s been the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively, satisfying journey you’ve taken me on over the last 20 years. I owe you more than I can say, thank you so much.
“Every single crew member, every single cast member on Oppenheimer you guys carried me through. All my fellow nominees, I remain in awe of you guys, truly.
“I want to thank my incredible team. Big shout out to Craig Bankey, Brendan Murphy, Mary Murphy, Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life and art, my two boys Malachy and Aran who are sitting up there, I love you so much and I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight.
“You know, 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 mile maith agat.”
And you can watch Murphy’s Oscar-winning speech below.
