Mahershala Ali wins Oscar for best supporting actor

Mahershala Ali made history by becoming the first Muslim to win an acting Oscar as he was honoured with the best supporting actor trophy for his riveting turn as an empathetic drug dealer, who takes a fatherless young boy under his wing in “Moonlight.

Ali, 43, is only in the first third of “Moonlight” but his quiet yet powerful performance as Juan has made his presence felt throughout the Barry Jenkin’s directed coming- of-age gay drama, even long after his character departs the story.

He was presented the ceremony’s first trophy by last year’s best supporting actress winner, Alicia Vikander.