The Academy Awards ceremony will take place for the 96th time on March 11th. Also taking part this year is Cillian Murphy, who received his first Oscar nomination for his role in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”. He explained in an interview how he found out about it and what his thoughts are on the honor.
“I feel very privileged”
The actor didn’t seem to be really prepared for the situation when he found out about the matter. Murphy was visiting his parents and drinking tea when he received the good news. In a conversation with “DeadlineMurphy is visibly moved and explains: “I feel very privileged and very lucky to be starring in a film that is as well received by people as it was by critics and in the market. To be in a movie that people have seen three, four, five times and they come up to you and tell you this…”
The “Peaky Blinders” actor didn’t necessarily have a goal in mind to make it to an Oscar nomination. The 48-year-old can appreciate the value of the honor bestowed on him all the better. “I don’t think it would have been believed or seen as a possibility or anything like that; I just wanted to do theater and do good theater and then you do a small part in a short film and then a small part in a film – we talked about this really gradual process and I think that’s why I can handle it and it enjoy,” he reveals.
Trailer for “Oppenheimer” starring Cillian Murphy:
“We need positivity in the world now”
Over the years of his career, he has also become more aware of the importance of such a nomination for him: “I’m 48 years old and have seen a lot and have been doing this for 28 years now, so I can understand how important it is for me is and how meaningful it is to me and other people…You know, it’s a long time in this business. I don’t think when I was young I would have thought something like this was possible.”
Basically, Cillian Murphy sees everything in a rather relaxed way. Whether it’s the fight for one Academy Award or the role in a movie is: “I’m very lucky to sit in rooms full of artists that I really admire and spend time with them and talk about them. It’s a bit like a circus, but it’s there because people love the film and they care about the work and the cinema. I have to say I really enjoy it… It’s just a nice and safe place where you feel comfortable.”
He concludes: “I think you have to open your heart a little bit and just go with it; it’s all positive and that’s a good thing, I think we need positivity in the world right now.”