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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) Mahershala Ali and Amatus Sami-Karim attend the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
The competition has been tight for the 91st Academy Awards. While this evening has already seen a slew of triumphs and upsets – controversy is building over the surprise Bohemian Rhapsody win for Best Editing – this next award was almost a sure thing. Nabbing the honour for his performance in Green Book, Mahershala Ali took to the stage to accept Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Taking out the same award in 2017 for Moonlight, the 45-year-old has had a fantastic year for his work, also winning similar awards at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes and SAGs.
In a heartwarming moment the actor took the opportunity to dedicate the award to his Grandmother, “I would not be here without here.”
And the #Oscars winner is… pic.twitter.com/ylyEkEBSzh
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 25, 2019
Playing Don Shirley, Green Book follows the world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx. In an era of strong racism and segregation, the pair form a strong bond despite their differences.
The film is also up for awards across Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Picture and Original Screenplay.
