Cillian Murphy, the acclaimed actor who captured audiences as Oppenheimer, made headlines at the 2025 Oscars with his unexpected yet highly anticipated appearance. The star, who famously won the Best Actor award last year for his role as the titular character in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, presented the Best Actor award at this year’s ceremony held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Despite his impressive credentials and immense popularity, Murphy’s presence was shrouded in mystery leading up to the Oscars. Many fans eagerly awaited their chance to see him on the red carpet, but to their surprise, he was nowhere to be found during the glamorous pre-show events. One fan quipped on social media, ‘Cillian Murphy does infact NOT stun at the Oscars,’ adding to the chatter about his absence. Another couldn't contain their frustration, asking pointedly, ‘Where is Cillian Murphy?’ as images filled social media of fans expressing their confusion and anticipation.
The hype surrounding Murphy was palpable; one fan lamented humorously, ‘I WAS SITTING LIKE A FOLLY IN MY LIVING ROOM FOR 4 HOURS, WAITING FOR CILLIAN MURPHY TO COME OUT AT THE OSCARS AND IT JUST COMES OUT WHEN I’M IN THE BATHROOM!’ The comment not only underlined the buzz but also painted a vivid picture of personal anticipation. It seemed many shared this eagerness to witness the actor’s return to the Academy Awards stage.
Eventually, as the evening unfolded, Conan O’Brien, the host for the night, introduced Murphy, highlighting his lineage and cheekily noting he was ‘more handsome.’ The crowd erupted as Murphy walked onto the stage, marking his return and dispelling any rumors about his absence. To the delight of many, he stood before the audience to present the prestigious award for Best Actor, which went to Adrien Brody for his performance in The Brutalist, marking Brody’s second Oscar win since his debut victory for The Pianist back in 2003.
The Oscars, always fraught with surprises and emotional moments, were particularly memorable this year, thanks partly to Murphy’s aura and talent. With films like Emilia Perez leading the nominations with 13 nods, and others vying for accolades, the ceremony promised thrilling performances and fresh victories.
Halle Berry, attending the ceremony, took the opportunity to humorously relive her own past Oscar moment with Adrien Brody, who had famously kissed her after winning his first Academy Award. Berry shared her feelings, stating, ‘That was one hell of a night for him, and for me as well. To be a part of his moment… tonight I had to pay him back. I’ve seen him out at parties, but this is the first time since THAT night I’ve seen him on the red carpet somewhere. He’s nominated this year. He deserved it.’ Her sentiment not only highlighted the camaraderie among Oscar attendees but also reflected the long-standing relationships forged through shared experiences at such events.
For fans and followers of Cillian Murphy, this year's Academy Awards served not only as another milestone for the talented Irishman but also as a celebration of his career, which began alongside his foray from music to acting. From starting as part of the band ‘The Sons of Mr. Green Genes’ to his first major film role in 28 Days Later, Murphy has come quite the distance. His portrayal of the complex character of Robert Oppenheimer continues to resonate with audiences, earning him numerous accolades along the way.
It is clear Murphy's evolution as an actor has positioned him as one of the standout performers of his generation. Having expanded his reach with collaborations with prominent directors like Christopher Nolan as well as his unforgettable role as Tommy Shelby on Peaky Blinders, his impact on film and television remains undeniably significant.
The Oscars this year not only celebrated the winners and the films but also served as a platform for familiar faces to reconnect, reflect, and project their futures. Cillian Murphy, with his humility and unrivaled skill, encapsulates the spirit of storytelling and the magic of cinema. His gestures, both on and off the stage, remind us of the power of film and the bonds shared between artists.