Cillian Murphy wins Best Actor at the Oscars

Cillian Murphy has won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Oppenheimer.

The star of Peaky Blinders took home the coveted award for his portrayal of physicist and father of the atomic bomb J. Robert Oppenheimer.

In his speech, Murphy thanked his co-stars, the crew, and his family.

He said: "I'm a very proud Irish man standing here tonight. We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or worse we're living in Oppenheimer's world, so I'd really to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere."

The award was also the first time that Murphy had been nominated for an Academy Award.

The actor also took home the awards for Best Actor at the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes.

But now, Murphy has scooped perhaps the most coveted award of them all in show business now that he has scooped the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Murphy joined his cast member Robert Downey Jr. in scooping an Academy Award for Oppenheimer after Downey Jr. won the award for Best Supporting Actor.

ABC/Variety / Contributor

Christopher Nolan also scooped the award for Best Director for Oppenheimer, giving the movie the awards for Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor.

This was also the first time that Nolan had won an Academy award, though he had previously been nominated.

Emily Blunt was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the movie, the first time she has been nominated for an Academy award.

Christopher Nolan’s historical drama Oppenheimer follows the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb.

Starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer received nominations in 13 different categories.

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Fellow winner and Oppenheimer alumnus Downey Jr. caught the sharp end of Kimmel's humour earlier in the evening when the comedian brought up his previous struggles with addiction.

Kimmel quipped: "This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr's long and illustrious career. Well, one of the highest points."

When RDJ responded by touching his nose, Kimmel added: "Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made?"

He then rowed things back a little, highlighting Downey Jr.'s many awards.

Kimmel said: "But look at him, he's so handsome, so talented, he's won every award there is to win.

"Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular penis?"

But things brightened up considerably with RDJ taking home Best Supporting Actor in what was a big night for Oppenheimer.

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