Cillian Murphy has won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's biopic. The 47-year-old Irish actor, who played the 'father of the atomic bomb', kissed his wife Yvonne in a rare public display of affection before taking to the stage to accept his award.
In his acceptance speech, Murphy thanked producers Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, describing the filmmaking process as 'the wildest, most creatively satisfying journey'. He also declared himself 'a very proud Irishman standing here tonight' and dedicated the award 'to the peacemakers of the world'. The actor concluded his speech with the Irish phrase 'Go Raibh Maith Agat', meaning 'thank you'.
Murphy acknowledged his two young sons, who were watching from the audience. His win came shortly after co-star Robert Downey Jr. secured the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in the same film. Downey Jr. thanked his 'terrible childhood' and his wife Susan, whom he jokingly referred to as his 'veterinarian', saying she 'loved me back to life'.
Host Jimmy Kimmel took playful jabs at both actors during his opening monologue. He quipped that Murphy's name is pronounced 'Cillian' for drama and 'silly-an' for comedy. Kimmel also referenced Downey Jr.'s past struggles, asking if a nose-tap gesture was 'a drug motion', to which Downey Jr. responded with charades before Kimmel moved on with a compliment.
