ACTOR Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr and director Christopher Nolan received accolades for their contributions to Oppenheimer, which emerged as the standout at the British Academy Film Awards (Bafta).
Murphy secured the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the titular role, the man credited with creating the atomic bomb, while Downey Jr earned the Best Supporting Actor accolade.
Expressing his gratitude after winning his first Bafta, Murphy exclaimed, “Oh boy. Holy moly. Thank you very, very much, Bafta.”
The Irish actor extended his appreciation to his “Oppenhomies” and lauded director Christopher Nolan, stating, “Thank you for always pushing me and demanding excellence because that is what you deliver time and time again.”
This marked Nolan’s inaugural Bafta victory, adding to his illustrious career, which includes notable films like Dunkirk, Inception and The Dark Knight.
Nolan acknowledged the film’s backers for their support in tackling the film’s dark themes and thanked a cast led by the “peerless and fearless Cillian Murphy”.
Additionally, the victory of Downey Jr, which comes 31 years after his previous Bafta triumph for the 1993 film Chaplin, establishes a fresh benchmark for the most extended interval between victories by an actor or actress.
Downey Jr, who portrayed Oppenheimer’s adversary Lewis Strauss after his role as Tony Stark on Iron Man in several Marvel films, expressed gratitude to Nolan.
He humorously shared with the audience, “Recently, that dude suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to resurrect my dwindling credibility.”
The film Oppenheimer claimed seven Bafta wins, including the coveted best film category. Additionally, Poor Things garnered five awards, with Emma Stone honoured as Best Actress and Da’Vine Joy Randolph was recognised as the Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Holdovers.
Actor Michael J Fox made a surprise appearance at the awards ceremony to present the Best Film Award. The 62-year-old Back to the Future star has been living with Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years and received a standing ovation upon appearing on stage.
