Cillian Murphy Reveals Who Coined 'Oppenhomies' in SAG Awards Acceptance: 'Start Merching the S--- out of That'

Mar. 15, 2025

Cillian Murphy at the 2024 SAG Awards.Photo:Netflix

Netflix

The other nominees in the category included:Bradley CooperforMaestro,Colman DomingoforRustin,Paul GiamattiforThe Holdovers,Cillian MurphyforOppenheimerandJeffrey WrightforAmerican Fiction.

“Oh my goodness,” Murphy began. “This is extremely, extremely special to me, because it comes from you guys.”

“Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, as always such a debt of gratitude to you. To my wife, Yvonne and my boys, Malachy and Aran, I adore you.”

He concluded: “Twenty-eight years ago when I was trying to become an actor, I was a failed musician and I felt extremely like an interloper. But now looking out and all of you guys here today, I know that I’m part of something truly wonderful. So thank you so much.”

Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in “Oppenheimer”.Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

The blockbusterOppenheimerhas produced several award-winning performances, including Murphy’s, 47, as the titular lead. The Irish actor playsJ. Robert Oppenheimer, inventor of the atomic bomb used in World War II.

His portrayal of Oppenheimer’s moral dilemmas earned him critical acclaim, and he took home winsat the Golden Globesand BAFTAs. He also nabbed a nod at the Critics Choice Awards and is nominated for Best Actor at next month’s Oscars.

Jason McDonald/Netflix

During this year’s awards season, Cooper has picked up several nominations for his performance. Cooper, who also co-wrote and directed the film, was nominated for the best actor category at theGolden Globes,Critics’ Choice Awards, Oscars andBAFTAs.

Maestrohas a total of two nominations at this year’s ceremony, the other nominee being Mulligan for leading actress.

NETFLIX

Domingo, 54, receives his first individual nod at this year’s ceremony for his role in the biographical dramaRustin. Domingo embodies the eponymousBayard Rustin, a civil rights activist who worked closely withMartin Luther King Jr.to organize the March on Washington.

Seacia Pavao/Focus Features

The Holdovers’ Giamatti, 56, stars alongside Dominic Sessa and fellow nomineeDa’Vine Joy Randolphin the moving comedy-drama from writer-director Alexander Payne (Election). As strict boarding school teacher Paul Hunham, Giamatti has received acclaim, nabbing aCritics’ Choice win, athird Golden Globeas well as BAFTA andOscarnominations.

In his Globes acceptance speech in January, Giamatti said, “Teachers are good people. Gotta respect them. They do a good thing. It’s a tough job, so this is for teachers as well. Thanks, guys. Thank you.”

He previously won three acting awards at the SAG Awards in 2006, 2009 and 2012 forCinderella Man,John AdamsandToo Big to Fail, respectively.

Claire Folger

InAmerican Fiction, Wright, 58, portrays writer Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, a frustrated novelist who writes a stereotypically Black book out of spite, only for it to become his best-selling work. Based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novelErasure, the comedy follows Monk as he navigates the repercussions of the book on his career and family.

It’s been 20 years since Wright received an individual acting nod at the SAG Awards, with his last coming in 2004 for his work onAngels in America. His critically acclaimed performance as Monk raked in nominations throughout awards season, including the Golden Globes and Oscars.

American Fictionhas three nominations, withSterling K. Brownrecognized for his supporting role and the film’s ensemble for outstanding cast.

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See PEOPLE’s coverage of the2024 SAG Awardsas it airs live on Netflix from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in L.A.

source: people.com