Ben Affleck thanked the people who had helped him throughout his career as he picked up the Best Picture Oscar for Argo.
The political thriller has been the toast of the awards's circuit in recent weeks and was the favourite to scoop film's biggest prize.
Affleck directed, starred in and produced the movie and gave an emotional acceptance speech.
"I was here 15 years ago, and I had no idea what I was doing. I went out, you know, and I never thought I would be back here, but I am because of so many... wonderful people who extended themselves to me when I had no benefit for them in Hollywood.
"You have to work harder than you possibly can, you can't hold grudges and it doesn't matter how you get knocked down in life - all that matters is you've gotta get up."
It was a successful night for Argo as it picked up two other awards including Best Adapted Screenplay for Chris Terrio and Best Editing.
But it becomes the first film since Driving Miss Daisy back in 1990 to win Best Picture without a Best Director nomination.
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