Actor delivers stirring acceptance in Irish language, highlighting his pride in heritage

Cillian Murphy’s acceptance speech at the 96th Academy Awards has become a topic of widespread admiration, not only for his win as Best Actor for his role in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” but also for his heartfelt conclusion in the Irish language. The 47-year-old Irish-born actor’s performance as theoretical physicist Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb, has earned him the historic distinction of being the first Irish-born person to win the Best Actor accolade.

In his speech, Cillian Murphy expressed his gratitude towards the Academy, Nolan, and the entire cast and crew of “Oppenheimer,” acknowledging their collective efforts in his journey. He also paid tribute to his family and his “incredible team” for their unwavering support. However, it was his closing remark that captured the hearts of many.

Murphy, identifying himself as a “very proud Irish man,” dedicated his award to “the peacemakers everywhere,” ending his speech with “Go raibh míle maith agat,” which translates to “a thousand thank yous” in Irish Gaelic. This linguistic choice has sparked an outpouring of praise online, with fans and cultural commentators applauding Murphy’s nod to his heritage and the subtle yet powerful message of peace.

Social media platforms and forums like Reddit’s r/ireland thread have been buzzing with positive reactions. One user, u/MIM86, noted the impact of hearing the phrase on such a global stage, stating, “We hear ‘Go raibh míle maith agat’ so much nationally but to hear it being spoken by Cillian at the Oscars like this hits a bit differently. Absolute legend!”

Another user, u/Thebunsenburger, expressed a sense of pride and joy, saying, “I very rarely care for celebrities and awards and I feel weird about national pride. But f**k me I am chuffed for the man. Hearing Irish being spoke on stage at this level of event made me smile.”

The gesture has also been interpreted as a nod to Ireland’s advocacy for peace, with u/Saint_EDGEBOI commenting, “Absolute class act. Nice little message towards the end that I’m interpreting as a nod to Ireland’s support of a ceasefire in Gaza. It’s important for us to be the nation that always advocates for peace.”

Murphy’s choice to include the Irish language in his speech has resonated deeply, highlighting the significance of cultural identity and the universal message of peace, making his Oscars moment even more memorable.