Kathryn Bigelow became the first female director to win an accolade at the 82nd Academy Awards.
Bigelow helmed the American war flick “The Hurt Locker” which follows a US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (EOD) during the Iraq War.
“There’s no other way to describe it,” Bigelow said onstage. “It’s the moment of a lifetime. It’s so extraordinary to be in the company of my fellow nominees, such powerful filmmakers, who have inspired me and I have admired some of them for decades.”
Backstage, the director who has been helming films for almost 30 years called the win a “very humbling experience.”
The movie, which was nominated for nine Academy Awards, won six including sound editing, sound mixing and best picture of the year with screenwriter Mark Boal receiving the screenplay writing accolade.
Wrapping up a winning streak which includes a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild and an Independent Spirit Award, comedian and actress Mo’Nique won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her portrait of a horrifying mother in “Precious.”
Among other winners, Jeff Bridges received the best actor accolade for his portrayal of a country singer in “Crazy Heart” whilst Sandra Bullock, a heavily tipped favorite to win, took home the best actress award for her performance as a tough Southern mother in “The Blind Side.” “Music by Prudence,” a film by Roger Ross Williams which traces the path of a young Zimbabwean woman in a wheelchair, won the Academy Award in the category of best short documentary.