Cillian Murphy has made history after becoming the first Irish born man to win Best Actor at the BAFTAs.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs) took place the Royal Festival Hall in London last night.
Cork native Cillian Murphy took home the award for Best Actor for his role in Oppenheimer, the first Irish born actor to do so.
Mr Murphy thanked director Christopher Nolan for “always pushing me and demanding excellence because that is what you deliver time and time again”.
“Oppenheimer was this colossally knotty, complex character, and he meant different things to different people,” he said.
“We have a space to debate and interrogate and investigate that complexity and it’s a privilege to be a part of this community with you all.”
The Irish actor also thanked his fellow “Oppenhomies” for their work on the film.
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Speaking to Newstalk following his win, Mr Murphy said a hello to everyone back in Monkstown and Cork.
“Hi to them all,” he said. “I'm a really, really proud Irishman, of course I am.
“It means a lot to me be Irish.
“I don’t know what else to say – should I sing a rebel song?”
BAFTA winners
Oppenheimer, as expected, took home the most BAFTAs last night, winning seven out of 13 nominations.
Robert Downey Jr won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Lewis Strauss, beating out Irish actor Paul Mescal for his role in All of Us Strangers.
Irish film producers Shirley O’Connor and Medb Riordan also received the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut Film with Earth Mama, directed and written by Savanah Leaf.
Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan lost out for his work on Poor Things to Oppenheimer cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema.
Poor Things, produced by Irish company Element Pictures, took home five wins, including Best Actress for Emma Stone, Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
American actress Ayo Edebiri, who was recently elevated to a daughter of Ireland, missed out on Best Newcomer.
