There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Cork fans watched in awe as Ballintemple-born actor Cillian Murphy accepted the Academy Award for Best Actor at last night’s Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed,” Murphy said on stage, before thanking Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, “every single crew member, every single cast member – you carried me through”.

“I want to thank my incredible team…. Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life and art, my two boys, Malachy and Aran who are sitting up there. I love you so much. I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight.

“We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb and for better or for worse we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world so I’d really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.

“Go raibh mile maith agat.” he added, before walking off to a standing ovation.

‘It feels as if all of us in Cork have won an Oscar’

With Murphy and his fellow Oscar winners likely still partying the night away in Hollywood, Cork fans have been sharing their glee at the news this morning.

“It feels as if all of us in Cork have won an Oscar, but it’s his and I’m thrilled. Have barely slept since.” tweeted Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork Paul Colton.

“The very best news.” added Susanne Brett. “I burst out crying when his name was called.”

The Tánaiste Micheál Martin was up early this morning to tweet his congrats to the fellow Corkman: “Absolutely thrilled and delighted that Cillian Murphy has won the Oscar for his performance in Oppenheimer.

“Richly deserved – a brilliant performance in an outstanding film that will stand the test of time. A very proud day for Cork and Ireland. Congratulations Cillian.”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD also offered her congratulations: “This award for his title role in Oppenheimer is the pinnacle of any actor’s career and a fitting recognition of the immense talent of Cillian Murphy.” she said.

“Long a favourite of Irish audiences on stage and screen, he has since shown himself to be a master of his craft and has secured his place among the world’s greatest actors.

“This Oscar success is no more than he deserves and I wish him every success in all his future films.”

Minister Martin also congratulated the cast and crew of Poor Things, co-produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures, which secured 11 Oscar nominations and won four awards. The Minister praised Irish producers Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, as well as Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan.