First Irish-born actor Murphy won Best Actor at BAFTA

Cillian Murphy made history at the BAFTA Film Awards held in London as he clinched the coveted title of Best Actor for his outstanding performance in ''Oppenheimer.'' The Cork-born star became the first Irish-born actor to secure the prestigious BAFTA for Best Actor.

According to a report on RTE, Murphy, expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night. In a heartfelt speech, he thanked the dynamic producer-director duo, Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, for their unwavering support and for recognizing his potential. He particularly praised Nolan for his relentless pursuit of excellence, which pushed him to deliver his best performances.

Reflecting on his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy acknowledged the complexity of the character and the privilege of exploring it within the film community. He extended his appreciation to his fellow nominees, acknowledging their remarkable talent and contribution to the industry.

"Oppenheimer," a cinematic masterpiece directed by Christopher Nolan, emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing seven prestigious awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

In addition to Murphy's triumph, "Poor Things," produced by Dublin-based Element Pictures, shone brightly, clinching five awards. Emma Stone was crowned Best Actress for her captivating performance in the dark fantasy, which also scooped accolades for Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup & Hair, and Special Visual Effects.

Among the notable mentions, Samantha Morton was honored with the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade of the British film academy, for her remarkable contributions to cinema. Morton, visibly emotional, dedicated her award to children in care, emphasizing the transformative power of film in her life journey.

The BAFTA Film Awards celebrated excellence across various categories, recognizing outstanding talents and cinematic achievements that continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

The event underscored the vibrancy and diversity of the film industry, showcasing a remarkable array of talents and narratives that captivate and resonate with audiences globally. As the curtains drew on yet another memorable BAFTA ceremony, the legacy of cinematic brilliance and storytelling prowess continues to thrive, inspiring generations to come.

For more updates and highlights from the BAFTA Film Awards, stay tuned to our platform.

Winners at a glance

- Best Film: "Oppenheimer" - Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas
- Leading Actress: Emma Stone - "Poor Things"
- Leading Actor: Cillian Murphy - "Oppenheimer"
- Director: Christopher Nolan - "Oppenheimer"
- Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award: June Givanni
- BAFTA Fellowship: Samantha Morton

The event also recognized outstanding achievements in various technical and creative categories, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent within the film industry.

[With information sourced from RTE]