Cillian Murphy clinches Best Actor Award at Irish Academy Awards
Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy's awards season marathon finally crossed the finish line with a Best Actor win at the 21st Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) ceremony. He clinched the award for portraying J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. The event—hosted by Irish radio personality Baz Ashmawy—took place at the Dublin Royal Conference Centre near Dublin Castle, Ireland. The award was presented to him by recent Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon).
'It made me think of being a young actor'
The Irish actor modestly began his acceptance speech, saying: "You know being in this room is very special—being at home. And there's so many people here that I love and admire amongst my fellow nominees." "Some of my favorite people are here. Some of my best friends. I love you all. It made me think of being a young actor and getting so much encouragement from so many people." To note, Oppenheimer also won Best International Film at the ceremony.
'That They May Face the Rising Sun' wins top award
The top film award was won by Pat Collins's acclaimed adaptation of John McGahern's final novel, That They May Face the Rising Sun. The film—which recently bagged the title of best Irish film at the Dublin International Film Festival—stars Barry Ward. It presents a nuanced exploration of a year in a rural community's life. During his acceptance speech, Collins expressed gratitude towards McGahern for writing the book and his widow Madeline McGahern for her approval "six or seven years ago."
'Lies We Tell' dominates with most film awards
Lisa Mulcahy's Lies We Tell—a creative adaptation of J Sheridan Le Fanu's Uncle Silas—secured the most film awards at the IFTA ceremony. It received three IFTAs, including the Best Actor prize for Agnes O'Casey, who dedicated the award to her grandmother. In addition, Paul Mescal was recognized as the Best Supporting Actor for his role in All of Us Strangers. Alison Oliver also won the Best Supporting Actor award for her performance in Saltburn.
Stephen Rea honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
The IFTA ceremony also celebrated the illustrious career of Belfast-born actor Stephen Rea, who was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his acceptance speech, Rea (77) reflected on the evolution of the film and television industry in Ireland and Britain since he began his career, and said, "If it happened a little later it could have been a posthumous award." The event also saw RTÉ crime drama Kim secure an impressive five IFTAs in the television category.
