Irish Examiner view: Modesty stands out amid Oscar glory

Murphy did Ireland proud, finding time to namecheck the country's support for the arts and the need for the nation to continue to back the next generation of artists

Cillian Murphy's achievement at the Academy Awards will resonate in Ireland and will continue to shine a broader light on the Irish film industry. Picture: Patrick T Fallon /AFP

He did it. Cillian Murphy’s dazzling acting talent finally summitted the Everest of his trade, by winning this year’s Best Actor Oscar for his performance as the titular lead in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

Despite rabid favouritism to win the “gong-of-gongs”, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the Oscars — just ask luminaries such as Cary Grant, Samuel L Jackson, Richard Burton, and Lauren Bacall, among others — and the Corkman was suitably humble in victory.