'Beale Street' Star Regina King Calls First-Ever Academy Award Win 'Surreal'

Regina King is an Academy Award winner! The actress took home her first-ever Oscar for her supporting role in If Beale Street Could Talk at Sunday night’s ceremony. Taking the stage to accept the award, King called the moment “surreal.” “To be standing here representing one of the greatest artists of our time James Baldwin, it’s a little surreal,” she said. “James Baldwin birthed this baby and, [director] Barry [Jenkins], you nurtured her. You surrounded her with so much love and support, so it’s appropriate to be standing here because I’m an example of what it looks like when support and love is poured into someone,” King continued. Through tears, the actress shouted out her mom, Gloria, who was sitting proudly in the audience, adding, “Thank you for teaching me that God is always leaning, always has been leaning, in my direction. God is good, all the time.” King’s moving speech touched many, with even Oprah Winfrey sharing that she was emotional while watching the actress accept her honor. “In tears watching @ReginaKing. Such an authentic acceptance. Bravo to you! and Amen, God IS good all the time!” she tweeted Sunday. Congrats, Regina! You deserve it!