[Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] We're here to speak about the great talent of this year's five nominees for Actor in a Leading Role.

When you see Jeffrey Wright in a film, you instantly know it's going to be good because he's so good. Jeffrey, in American Fiction, you are funny and furious and flawed and empathetic, and for the way that you elevate the craft, we're indebted to you.

The greats go above and beyond in their commitment to a role. Just like Daniel Day-Lewis stayed in character as Lincoln this past year, Paul Giamatti was so committed that for the character to have a lazy eye, he wore a soft contact lens during the entire shoot, which made him blind in that eye while filming. Would I have done that? Hell yes, but the point is, you did do it, Paul, and you were brilliant. Again, a modern-day Renaissance man, nothing better describes you, sir.

Mr. Bradley Cooper, who wrote, directed, produced, and acted in his latest film, Maestro. From the script to the screen, Bradley takes a transformative journey into becoming Leonard Bernstein, bringing to life all the character, charisma, and complex brilliance of an American icon.

Congratulations, brother. Killian Murphy, he accepted the leading role of Oppenheimer before even reading the script, which must have taken much courage and trust, or simply hot spa. Either way, the performance is masterful, endowing his portrayal with layers of

humanity whilst his character created something inhuman. It's riveting to watch. My congratulations, Coleman. When I first worked with you a decade ago, I saw that you were brilliant, bound for greatness. It's been exciting to watch you light up the screen over

the years, most recently with your truly inspired portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. Coleman, your genius as an actor illuminates the genius of an angelic troublemaker who was nearly buried in the history books. Thankfully, Justin is getting his due, as are you. K

Domingo, and the Oscar goes to Cillian Murphy. This is a first Oscar win and nomination for Cillian. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Murphy. Um, I'm a little overwhelmed. Um, thank you

to the Academy. Um, Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, it's been the the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively satisfying journey you've taken me on over the last 20 years. I owe you more than I can say. Thank you, thank you so much. Every single

crew member, every single cast member on Oppenheimer, you guys carried me through. Uh, all my fellow nominees, I remain in awe of you guys, truly. I want to thank my incredible team. Uh, big shout out to Craig Bankey, Brendan Murphy, Brendan Murphy, Mary Murphy, Ivon McGinnes, my

partner in life and art, my two boys, Malaki and Aaron, who are sitting up there. I love you so much. And I'm a very proud Irish man standing here tonight, so um, you know, we made a film, we made a film about the man who created the

atomic bomb and For Better or For Worse we're all living in Oppenheimer's world so I would really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere going [Music] [Applause] be that

Cillian Murphy Wins Best Actor for 'Oppenheimer' | 96th Oscars (2024)

Oscars

Nominee Highlights: Jeffrey Wright, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Cooper

Jeffrey Wright's performance in American Fiction is praised for its humor, anger, flaws, and empathy.

Paul Giamatti's commitment to his role included wearing a contact lens that impaired his vision.

Bradley Cooper's multifaceted involvement in Maestro, encompassing writing, directing, producing, and acting.

Nominee Highlights: Cillian Murphy and Coleman Domingo

Cillian Murphy's courageous acceptance of the Oppenheimer role before reading the script.

Coleman Domingo's portrayal of Bayard Rustin is highlighted for its brilliance and inspiration.

Cillian Murphy expresses his gratitude to the Academy, Chris Nolan, Emma Thomas, and the cast and crew of Oppenheimer.

He thanks his team, family, and dedicates the award to peacemakers.

He mentions his pride in being Irish and reflects on the film's theme and its relevance to the world.