'Holy moly, thank you very, very much': Cork's Cillian Murphy awarded best actor Bafta

Cork actor Cillian Murphy has won the Bafta for best actor for playing theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s epic biopic Oppenheimer.

Murphy faced competition from fellow Irishman Barry Keoghan, who took on the role of a student at Oxford in high-society thriller Saltburn, and Canadian actor Ryan Gosling for blockbuster success Barbie.

Accepting the trophy Murphy said: “Oh boy, holy moly, thank you very, very much Bafta.” 

He paid tribute to “the most dynamic, kindest producer-director partnership in Hollywood: Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, thank you for seeing something in me that I probably didn’t see in myself.” 

He said to Nolan: “Thank for always pushing me and demanding excellence because that is what you deliver time and time again.” 

He also acknowledged his “fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies”, adding: “I know it’s a cliche to say, but I’m in awe of you.” 

He said J Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, was a “colossally knotty character”, adding: 

“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.”

Cillian has become the first Irish-born actor to win Best Actor in a Leading Role in Bafta's 77-year history.

Oppenheimer was also named best film.

Robert Downey Jr won the best supporting actor Bafta for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer.

Collecting the gong, he joked he was going to tell the story of “the entirety of my life in 20 seconds”.

Gesturing to director Christopher Nolan, he said: “Recently that dude suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last ditch effort to resurrect my dwindling credibility.” He said he owes the award to Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and star Cillian Murphy, as well as “British influence”.

Christopher Nolan won the best director Bafta for Oppenheimer, his epic tale of how the nuclear bomb was created.

Before accepting the award from actor Hugh Grant, Nolan hugged Cillian Murphy.

Nolan joked that his brother “beat him up here” by being in a chorus of a production 40 years ago.

He paid tribute to Murphy and added to those who backed the film: 

“Thank you for taking on something dark”.

The director also acknowledged the efforts of nuclear disarmament organisations to bring peace.

Oppenheimer also won a number of other award including the cinematography Bafta.

Murphy walked the red carpet earlier in the evening at the Royal Festival Hall in London wearing a dark outfit.

The Bafta film awards was hosted by Scottish actor David Tennant and featured performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Hannah Waddingham.