Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is having a blast with glorious thirteen Oscar nominations in their sleeves including the Best Actor Award nod for Cillian Murphy. Nolan always had faith in Murphy as the actor has been a long-time collaborator and the duo works like a charm every time, with Oppenheimer, it was an added bonanza.
Murphy has been an astounding performer with several acclaimed titles under his belt. Nolan is aware of his prowess as the duo has made six movies together. Of course, Murphy was playing supporting roles for the director until Oppenheimer and the box office marvel was the jackpot for the actor/director duo.
Cillian Murphy Reminds Christopher Nolan of Heath Ledger
No moviegoers can forget Heath Ledger’s masterclass performance in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight leading the late actor to win an Oscar posthumously. While filming his latest flick, Oppenheimer, the director could see Ledger’s prowess in the movie’s protagonist, Cillian Murphy. Right after the announcement of the Oscar nominations, the director recalled Murphy’s transformation to live the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer. “It was really in the hair and makeup tests, which we shoot on Imax and in black-and-white,” Nolan told Variety.
“You start to see the actor bringing an icon to life, putting the hat on, the cigarette in the corner of his mouth. You’re starting to see how he moves. It’s a thrilling moment. It is on every film. Seeing Cillian put this iconography together, it reminded me of my hair and makeup tests with Heath Ledger for the Joker.”
Murphy’s gumption was the perfect hammer on the nail leading the actor to his first and special Oscar nod. He has all the chance to hold the gold in his hand and continue his acting streak with more accolades to come.
Also read: Only 3 Movies in History Has More Oscar Nominations Than Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer
The First Oscar Nod Is Overwhelming For Cillian Murphy
Adding up to the special moment, Murphy told Variety that he was in his parent’s house in Cork City, Ireland accompanied by his wife as he received the news of his Oscar nod. “Words don’t really do it justice,” the-47-year-old told the outlet reflecting on the nomination. “I think the superlatives fail you at this point,” he continued.
“I’m so truly honored and kind of overwhelmed. But most of all, proud of the movie, and proud that it has achieved so much. It exceeded all of our expectations, any of any of us who are involved in making this movie. I get people coming up to me on the street all the time and they say, ‘I’ve watched the movie five times.’ And then these are older people, and they’re younger people and they’re boys and girls. It’s crazy.”
A recognition for his prowess and the director with his co-stars really adds up the excitement. And then “to be recognized by the Academy like we have been, it’s just kind of mind-blowing,” Murphy added. Murphy is all set to appear in Small Things Like These, also producing the movie alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The movie is opening at the Berlin Film Festival. Oppenheimer will be available to stream on Peacock from February 16.
