Taika Waititi has today accepted the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his film Jojo Rabbit.
During his acceptance speech, Waititi thanked his mother before admitting he had lost her in the auditorium, "hours ago".
"Thank you for being my mother and for giving me the book that I adapted," he said. "This film wouldn't have existed without you doing that."
He also dedicated his award to "indigenous kids" all over the world, who he hopes to inspire with his creative endeavours and success.
READ MORE:
• The Oscars: Live winners updates - Taika Waititi wins Academy Award
• Oscars 2020: The most incredible looks of all time
• Live: The Oscars 2020: Best dressed on the red carpet
• Oscars 2020: Aucklander nominated for work on Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit
"I dedicate this to all the indigenous kids in the world who want to do art and dance and write stories, we are the original storytellers and we can make it here, as well," he said.
In winning the gong for Best Adapted Screenplay, Waititi has made history as the first Māori Academy Award winner.
Jojo Rabbit was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture.