CILLIAN MURPHY WINS BEST ACTOR AT THE OSCARS

CILLIAN MURPHY has become the first Irish-born winner of the BEST ACTOR award, as OPPENHEIMER swept the OSCARS withseven prizes overall, while POOR THINGStook four including BEST ACTRESS forEMMA STONE and THE ZONE OF INTEREST got two.

 The film dominated proceedings, winning BEST PICTURE, BEST DIRECTOR for CHRISTOPHER NOLAN, and BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR for ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

 The PEAKY BLINDER star was named best leading actor for his acclaimed portrayal of theoretical physicist J ROBERT OPPENHEIMER.

 MURPHY who said he was overwhelmed to have won, thanked NOLAN and producer EMMA THOMAS for the wildest, most exhilarating, most creatively satisfying journey they took him.