Cillian Murphy celebrated a win at home this weekend, receiving Best Actor at the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards.
Murphy won for his titular role in Oppenheimer, a performance that has seen him take home most major awards including an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
Receiving the award from Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone, Murphy said being at home was “very special”.
“Some of my favourite people are here. Some of my best friends. I love you all,” he said.
“It made me think of being a young actor and getting so much encouragement from so many people.”
Cillian Murphy speaking the press after winning an IFTA for Oppenheimer. @NewstalkFM @IFTA #IFTA pic.twitter.com/CfJNZcMIK2
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) April 20, 2024
Speaking to press backstage, the Cork native reemphasised his connection to the Irish film industry.
“It feels lovely just being home and in a room full of friends and colleagues and people I’ve known all my career,” he said.
He also gave a nod to the people of Cork, joking about sending post in the An Post golden post box erected in his honour following his Oscar win.
“It’s down by my parents’ gaff - I went past it with a hoodie on,” he said.
A united Ireland at IFTA
Other Irish artists at the IFTA Awards making their mark internationally included Northern Irish group Kneecap, who’s self-titled film won the Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival.
Kneecap member Moglaí Bap told Newstalk they plan to release the film in August and they hope to return to the IFTA Awards next year for their work – and they “might a wear a suit next year if [they] can afford it”.
He also said he thinks he will see a united Ireland in his lifetime.
“I think because of Brexit and all these things – people want to stay in the European Union, the north of Ireland voted to stay in the European Union,” he said.
“I think that is enough reason for us to start something fresh and start something new.
“And down south they all have to pay to go to the doctor - I'm sure down south that they're willing to try something new.”
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That They May Face the Rising Sun took home the Best Film IFTA award, while Oppenheimer received Best International Film.
Emma Stone, who did not attend the awards, received Best International Actress for her role in the Irish-produced film Poor Things.
Full list of awards:
- Best Film: That They May Face the Rising Sun
- Best International Film: Oppenheimer
- Lead Actor – Film: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
- Best International Actor: Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers
- Lead Actress – Film: Agnes O'Casey, Lies We Tell
- Best International Actress: Emma Stone, Poor Things
- Director – Film: Lisa Mulcahy, Lies We Tell
- Script - Film: Elisabeth Gooch, Lies We Tell
- Supporting actor – Film: Paul Mescal, All of Us Strangers
- Supporting actress – Film: Alison Oliver, Saltburn
- Best Drama: KIN
- Director – drama: KIN – Kate Dolan
- Script – Drama: KIN – Peter McKenna
- Lead actor – Drama: Éanna Hardwicke, The Sixth Commandment
- Lead Actress – Drama: Clare Dunne, KIN
- Supporting actor – Drama: Richard Dormer, Blue Lights
- Supporting actress – Drama: Maria Doyle Kennedy, KIN
- George Morrison feature documentary: The Days of Trees
- Live-action short film: Calf
- Animated short film: Wind & The Shadow
- Cinematography: Poor Things, Robbie Ryan
- Costume design: LOLA, Lara Campbell
- Production design: A Haunting in Venice, John Paul Kelly
- Hair & make-up: The Pope’s Exorcist, Orla Carroll, Lynn Johnston
- Sound: Barbie, Nina Rice
- Original music: LOLA, Neil Hannon
- Editing: Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, Michael Harte
- VFX: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Kev Cahill and Diana Giogiutti
- Screen Ireland Rising Star Award: Siobhán Cullen
Reporting by Henry McKean
