It was a big night for the British and Irish stars at Sunday’s Golden Globes Awards.
Earning their first ever Golden Globes on the night were Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen and Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy and Christopher Nolan, while their respective TV and movies also dominated the night.
Making history with his win was British comedian Ricky Gervais, who scooped Best Stand-Up Comedy on Television for his controversial Netflix special, Armageddon.
However, he failed to attend the ceremony, having earlier posted on X his prediction that ‘Won’t win, but it’s nice to still be up there in the mix, flying the flag.’
Oppenheimer was among the biggest winners of the night as the film earned Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, and two coveted acting awards for leading man Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.
![British and Irish Stars Shine at Golden Globes 2024: Matthew Macfadyen, Cillian Murphy, and Christopher Nolan Take the Lead, Ricky Gervais Makes Comedy History 2 Matthew Macfadyen and Cillian Murphy won their first ever Golden Globes during Sunday night's ceremony as they led the British and Irish winners](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/08/07/79738041-12937701-image-m-6_1704699200872.jpg)
![British and Irish Stars Shine at Golden Globes 2024: Matthew Macfadyen, Cillian Murphy, and Christopher Nolan Take the Lead, Ricky Gervais Makes Comedy History 4 Cillian Murphy won for Oppenheimer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/08/07/79738063-12937701-image-a-7_1704699204542.jpg)
Matthew Macfadyen (left) and Cillian Murphy won their first ever Golden Globes during Sunday night’s ceremony as they led the British and Irish winners
![British and Irish Stars Shine at Golden Globes 2024: Matthew Macfadyen, Cillian Murphy, and Christopher Nolan Take the Lead, Ricky Gervais Makes Comedy History 6 Oppenheimer was among the biggest winners of the night as the film earned Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Director for Christopher Nolan (pictured)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/08/07/79738085-12937701-image-a-4_1704699181299.jpg)
Oppenheimer was among the biggest winners of the night as the film earned Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director for Christopher Nolan (pictured)
![British and Irish Stars Shine at Golden Globes 2024: Matthew Macfadyen, Cillian Murphy, and Christopher Nolan Take the Lead, Ricky Gervais Makes Comedy History 8 Making history with his win was British comedian Ricky Gervais , who scooped Best Stand-Up Comedy on Television for his controversial Netflix special, Armageddon](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/08/07/79738053-12937701-image-a-5_1704699195117.jpg)
Making history with his win was British comedian Ricky Gervais , who scooped Best Stand-Up Comedy on Television for his controversial Netflix special, Armageddon
The film beat out Anatomy of a Fall, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives, and The Zone of Interest to earn the top prize of the night.
Producer Emma Thomas accepted the award presented by Oprah Winfrey on behalf of the cast and crew at the end of the night as she said: ‘This is crazy! Oh, my god. Okay, that’s crazy. From Oprah! They weren’t kidding, this is a really intimidating room. Thank you so much to the Golden Globes. Can you hear my heart beating? Because it’s going crazy! This was just an incredible experience making this film, and this is just the smallest portion of the many people that made the film what it is.
‘I have loved sitting here, hearing everyone talk about their work. What is so clear is that what we do is collaboration. That’s amazing and it’s exciting, and I find that to be completely magical. I have to say, I am so pleased that Chris [Nolan] has been acknowledged, because I just think that what he does is unlike anything anyone else is doing.
‘All of this talent, and these amazing actors but also all of our HODs. The PAs, camera assistants, everybody did their best on this Chris brings the best out and people by being the very best himself. I would love to thank Donna Langley and everybody at universal. When I sort of look back on that moment when we sat down with you, I don’t think it was a no-brainer by any stretch of the imagination to make a three hour talky movie about — R-rated, by the way, about one of the darkest developments in our history. I’m really grateful that your faith in us has been rewarded tonight.’
Oppenheimer is the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
Earlier in the night leading man Cillian Murphy won Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his titular role.
He beat out a very impressive field including: Andrew Scott – All of Us Strangers, Barry Keoghan – Saltburn, Bradley Cooper – Maestro, Colman Domingo – Rustin, and Leonardo DiCaprio – Killers of the Flower Moon.
Cillian began his acceptance speech with a very important question as he said: ‘Oh, boy. First question, do I have lipstick all over my nose? I’m just going to leave it.’
He started out his speech with praise for the director Christopher Nolan whom he has worked with a few times previously including Batman Begins, Dunkirk, and Inception.
The Irish actor continued: ‘I knew the first time I walked on a Christopher Nolan set that it was different. I could tell by the level of rigor, the level of focus, the level of dedication, the complete lack of any seating options for actors. [Laughter] That I was in the hands of the visionary director and master. I want to thank Chris and Emma for having the faith in me for 20 years. Thanks so much. One of the most beautiful and vulnerable things about being an actor is that you can’t do it on your own, really.
‘We had the most incredible ensemble cast in this movie. It was magic and some of them are here today. Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Gary oldman. Thank you for carrying me and holding me through this movie. Thank you. Thank you to Donna Langley and everyone at universal for believing in this movie from the very beginning. Oh, to all my fellow nominees. If you’re Irish or not, you are all legends. Stunning work. I salute you. To all my reps, on my team, thank you so much. You are the best. To my family, and the luckiest man and I love you. Thanks so much, guys.’
Robert Downey Jr. took home the second win of the night in the Male Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category for Oppenheimer.
The 58-year-old actor began his acceptance speech with a joke at the podium as he said: ‘Yeah, yeah. I took a beta blocker, so this is going to be a breeze.’
‘A sweeping story about the ethical dilemma of nuclear weapons grosses $1 billion. Does that track? No. Unless, and but, because, universal went all in on Christopher Nolan to direct Cillian Murphy, with Emma Thomas producing, with Emily and Florence and this cast and crew, and helped them render a goddamn masterpiece. See, that’s not such a leap.
‘Dozens of folks have come up to me since the summertime saying that I was “An recognizably subtle” as Lewis Strauss. To my fellow nominees, let’s not pretend this is a compliment. This is a first time, it’s more of a most improved player thing. For my dueling career counsels, they had the gall to say I needed to restart my career. It is self improving agents right. Speaking of motivators, my primary caregiver right there, Susan Downey, she has literally made an art out of extracting me from my comfort Zones, that I need to feel safe! But she’s easy on the eyes, so whatevs.
Downey Jr. finished off his speech by making reference to the controversy surrounding the award show in recent years.
He concluded: ‘Lastly, golden globes journalists, thanks for changing your game, therefore changing your name. Salute.’
The A-lister triumphed over Charles Melton – May December, Mark Ruffalo – Poor Things, Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon, Ryan Gosling – Barbie, and Willem Dafoe – Poor Things.
In Oppenheimer Downey Jr portrays as Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss, a retired Naval officer and high-ranking member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
Christopher Nolan earned Best Director – Motion Picture for the epic film beating out Bradley Cooper – Maestro, Celine Song – Past Lives, Greta Gerwig – Barbie, and Martin Scorsese – Killers Of The Flower Moon.
The 53-year-old filmmaker opened up his speech by saying that the only time he has been on the stage at the Golden Globes was to accept the Best Supporting Actor award on behalf of the late Heath Ledger in 2009.
He said: ‘Thank you. Thank you, Golden Globes. The only time I’ve ever been on this stage before was accepting one of these on behalf of our dear friend, heath ledger, and that was complicated and challenging for me. And in the middle of speaking I got all stuck, and Robert Downey Jr. Caught my eye and gave me a look of love and support, the same look he’s giving me now. The same love and support he’s shown so many people in our community over so many years.
‘I thought it would be simpler accepting for myself. But, as a director, I realize I can only accept this on behalf As directors, we bring people together and we try to get them to give their best. Robert, cillian, that partner in crime for 20 years, Matt, wherever you went, Florence, Emily, and the incredible work of our amazing crew. So many to thank you. Please wrap up, here we go. Donna Langley, and universal, for seeing potential in very challenging material. Chuck, for giving me the book and urging me onward, and so many other people to think. But Emma Thomas, my partner in life and an art. I love you. Thank you very much.’
Meanwhile Succession nearly swept the television drama categories including Best Television Series – Drama and individual honors for Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, and Kieren Culkin.
Snook was recognized in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama category as she won out over
The 36-year-old Australian actress said: ‘Oh! I was kind of hoping I didn’t have to get up! Kieran is usually better at the Do you want to get up instead? You take it instead. Thanks to the Golden Globes. This is really heavy. Thank you, Jessie, for casting in this, and Francine for putting me in front of Jesse. This show has changed my life. And everybody in it was amazing. The cast, the crew were fantastic. This was a team effort. It was always a team and that’s what made the show amazing, I think, to be part of. Thank you to my husband for holding my hand, and thank you to George and my daughter for also changing my life in different ways. Jenny, for always being there, Billy, Scott, Liz and Heidi, everyone at HBO. [Listing names] It’s a team effort all around. Thanks! This room is so intimidating!
Matthew Macfadyen was the first person in the Succession cast to earn a Golden Globe on Sunday evening.
The 49-year-old British actor beat out two of his castmates on the highly-popular HBO series to win Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television.
During his acceptance speech he said: ‘Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I just adored every second playing the weird and wonderful human grease stain that is Tom Wambsgans. Tom Wambsgans, CEO, I should say. God help us.
‘My love and thanks and admiration to Jesse Armstrong, as always. And to all Eric’s ordinary writers. I’m too scared to name them all, because I’ll forget someone and I want sleep. To Adam Mckay, Francie mazelike, HBO, wonderful directors and producers, and of course are gorgeous crew and cast who I miss very much. Thank you.’
This was Matthew’s first ever nomination and win at the Golden Globes as he was recognized for his work as Tom Wambsgans.
His character is the power hungry husband to Shiv Roy, who enjoys the power that comes with being married into the media mogul family, and runs conservative news network ATN.
Matthew beat out some familiar faces in castmates Alan Ruck and Alexander Skarsgård in addition to Billy Crudup – The Morning Show, Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear, and James Marsden – Jury Duty.
Later on in the evening it was Kieran Culkin who earned Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Drama.
The 41-year-old actor began his speech as hilariously as predicted as he said: ‘Oh, nightmare! Ugh! Sit down! Boy, thank you. Sorry, I’m burping indigestion. Didn’t need to say that.
‘Otherwise, this is a nice moment for me. I’ve blown it already. You are right. You said “Just say thanks and leave.” You are right. I was nominated for a golden globe like 20 years ago, and when that moment passed, I still remember thinking, I’m never going to be back in this room again. Which is fine, whatever. But thanks to Succession I’ve been in here a couple times.’
He then poked fun at fellow nominee Pedro Pascal.
Kieran continued: ‘It’s nice, but I excepted I would never be on the stage, so this is a nice moment. Suck it, Pedro. [Laughter] Mine! Really quickly, I’d like to thank everybody on Succession. Our writers, the amazing cast, everybody that showed up that believed in this thing and that it was very cool.
‘This isn’t mine, this is one for the team. I know, wrap it up. I want to really quickly just thank three amazing women in my My manager, without whom I wouldn’t have a career, my wife, jazz, for putting up with this and all that comes with it, and my wonderful mom. Mom, thank you so much for doing everything you did for us. You are an amazing woman. Okay, that’s it.’
He beat out his castmates Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong along with Dominic West – The Crown, Gary Oldman – Slow Horses, and Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us.