He’s a busy guy, Mr Murphy.

The first-ever Irish-born winner of the Oscar for Best Actor at the 96th Academy Awards is already creating some industry buzz ahead of next year’s event.

Although we are eight months out, Cork Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has emerged as one of the favourites to win Best Actor for a second consecutive year.

Film distributor Lionsgate has just secured the rights to his latest film, Small Things Like These, based on the Booker Prize-nominated novel by Claire Keegan. Set in 1985 Ireland, amidst the Christmas rush, the film follows a seemingly ordinary coal merchant named Bill Furlong (played by Murphy) who stumbles upon a dark secret at the local convent.

With a release date yet to be announced, Small Things Like These is already garnering rave reviews following its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year.

Have a peek at the trailer…

According to the betting tips website Freebets, Cillian Murphy is currently leading the odds at 2/1 (33.3% probability), thanks to his focus on meaningful roles and aversion to the limelight, both of which have earned him critical acclaim.

His competition includes Joaquin Phoenix and Paul Mescal, both at 3/1 (25%), Timothée Chalamet at 5/1 (16.7%), and Austin Butler at 8/1 (11.1%).

Irish actors are on a roll at the Oscars. Recent nominations for Saoirse Ronan and Brendan Gleeson showcase the incredible talent coming from the Emerald Isle. A second win for Cillian Murphy would be the icing on the cake, further solidifying Ireland’s position as a breeding ground for award-worthy performances.