The Oscars: As it happened - Taika Waititi wins Academy Award, Parasite wins Best Picture

Bong Joon-Ho accepting the award for best international feature film for 'Parasite'. It became the first non-English film to win Best Picture. Photo / AP

Kiwi filmmaker Taika Waititi has become the latest Kiwi to win an Oscar, taking out Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit at the 92nd Academy Awards at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre.

"Thank you, Kia Ora," said a slightly nervous Waititi as he accepted the Academy Award.

He thanked his mother and dedicated the award to indigenous children around the world.

It is the first Oscar and third nomination for Waititi. He follows a string of New Zealand Oscar winners over the decades, including Peter Jackson, Jane Campion and Anna Paquin.

"Amazing. Thank you," Waititi said, holding the statue. "This is really light. It's supposed to be heavy," he joked, before thanking his mother "for being my mother and for, I mean, for many other reasons. For giving me the book I adapted. This film wouldn't have existed without you doing that."

#Oscars Moment: See the winner for Best Adapted Screenplay: @TaikaWaititi for @jojorabbitmovie pic.twitter.com/iLp6E384Bn

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 10, 2020

He also thanked the film's producers, and said there were many others he wanted to thank but couldn't "remember them."

"That's it," he joked, before saying he hoped he inspired other indigenous kids of the world.

Among the nominees are a handful of New Zealanders. Taika Waititi and Anthony McCarten are going head-to-head for the best adapted screenplay award for Jojo Rabbit and The Two Popes, up against screenwriters for The Irishman, Joker, and Little Women. Aucklander Tom Eagles is nominated for best editing for Jojo Rabbit.

Jojo Rabbit is up for six awards in total, including best picture.

Leading the pack with 11 nominations is Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix.

Stay tuned as we provide live updates from the ceremony and recap all of the winners live.

Check out the best frocks and looks from the red carpet here.