The Truth About Cillian Murphy’s Voice—Why His Oscar Speech Surprised Viewers

At the 96th Academy Awards, Cillian Murphy’s acceptance speech for his Best Actor win brought a moment of pride for the Irish actor, as he proudly declared, “I’m a very proud Irishman.” While the statement was heartfelt, for many viewers, it might have been their first time hearing Murphy speak in his natural Irish accent. Known for his transformative performances, Murphy’s ability to alter his voice has been a key element of his success, but this particular moment gave fans a rare glimpse into his true speaking style.

Born in Cork, Ireland, Murphy’s heritage is unmistakable, and his Irish accent is as authentic as it gets. His name, too, is an indicator of his roots—pronounced Kill-ee-an, not the anglicized “Cillian.” While his Irish accent is a key part of his identity, many fans are more familiar with the various accents he adopts for his roles, from the brooding Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders to the meticulous J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer. These performances, rich in detail and nuance, often mask the actor’s natural inflection, making it all the more striking when Murphy speaks in his own voice.

For Murphy, changing accents is not a casual endeavor. During an interview with Barbie star Margot Robbie for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, he shared the personal challenge of altering his voice for his roles. “With accents, for me, it takes… it’s like going to the gym for your mouth,” Murphy explained. “It takes a long time.”

This dedication to mastering various accents is no small feat, especially considering the wide range of characters Murphy has portrayed throughout his career. From American voices to regional dialects, Murphy has proven time and again that he’s willing to put in the effort to make his performances as authentic as possible. In fact, the actor’s commitment to perfecting accents has become one of the defining aspects of his career, earning him critical acclaim and, now, an Academy Award.

So, the next time you hear Cillian Murphy speak, whether in a performance or in a rare moment of candidness like at the Oscars, remember that behind his meticulously crafted characters is a true Irishman, proud of his roots and skillfully navigating the art of accent transformation. And as for how to pronounce his name? It’s Kill-ee-an, a gentle reminder of the authenticity he brings to every role he takes on.