Cillian Murphy lands Best Actor at SAG Awards

Cillian Murphy won the award for Best Actor for his role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday.

The biopic, helmed by Christopher Nolan and featuring Murphy as the renowned physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, continued its triumphant winning streak at the 30th SAG Awards ceremony. This event, hosted at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, marked a significant juncture following the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA history and serves as a crucial precursor to the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony next month.

Reflecting on his journey, Murphy expressed gratitude, stating, "Twenty-eight years ago when I was trying to become an actor, I was a failed musician and I felt extremely like an interloper, but now looking out at you guys here today, I know I am part of something truly wonderful, so thank you."

The Cork actor delivered a sincere appreciation to his fellow "Oppenhomies" for fostering an environment of courage and support, as he accepted the 'Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role' award, surpassing contenders Bradley Cooper (Maestro), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction).

"This holds immense significance for me, coming directly from you all—my Oppenheimer crew, my Oppenheimer family," he remarked. "Just a side note, the delightful term 'Oppenhomies' was actually coined by Olivia Thirlby, so Olivia, I suggest you promptly trademark it and capitalize on its charm because it's bound to catch fire."

"They were the greatest group of actors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I've never felt so looked after or cared for by a group of actors. Every day I'd look at your names on the call sheet and you just made me brave guys, so thank you," said Murphy.

In addition to Murphy's win, Robert Downey Jr. secured the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss, head of the Atomic Energy Commission, in the film. Oppenheimer also garnered recognition for 'Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.'

The prestigious prize for best performance by a cast at the SAG Awards is historically a strong predictor for the Oscars, and makes Oppenheimer a formidable frontrunner for 'Best Picture,' including Murphy 'Best Actor.' Many of the same actors who vote for the SAG Awards also make up the largest voting bloc for the Academy Awards, which will be held this year on 10th March.

Oppenheimer has now garnered top honours at the SAG Awards, the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, and BAFTAs.

Following a dazzling year, Murphy's next role is in the adaptation of Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, portraying the lead character Bill Furlong.