Gary Oldman Wins Best Lead Actor At Oscars

Gary Oldman has won the Oscar for his role in Darkest Hour.

The British actor, who was previously nominated in 2012 for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, fought off tough competition from Denzel Washington, Daniel Day-Lewis, Timothée Chalamet and Daniel Kaluuya to scoop the award.

His role in Darkest Hour won over both critics and audiences when it hit screens last year.

Accepting the award, he said: "My deepest thanks to the academy for this glorious prize.

"The movies - such is their power - captivated a young man from South London and gave him a dream.

"I'd like to salute Winston Churchill who has been marvellous company on what has been an incredible journey."

Oldman, 58, carried a number of 'lucky charms' into the ceremony with him, including a copy of Churchill's famous, 'We shall fight them on the beaches' speech. He also brought along a special coin, released shortly after Churchill died.

He told the Daily Mail: "I have some powerful good luck charms in my pocket to help me over the final hurdle.

"I've taken Churchill's 'We shall fight on the beaches speech' - all of it - and had it turned into a miniature book so that it fits into my pocket.

"And, as added insurance, I've got a Sir Winston Churchill commemorative coin that was issued after his death in 1965."

And the move paid off, with Oldman scooping the best actor gong for his portrayal of the legendary PM.