Oscars 2011: Melissa Leo Wins Best Supporting Actress Award

It might have been the most suspenseful award given out during last night's 2011 Academy Awards presentation, but Melissa Leo captured the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for her gritty portrayal of Alice Ward in the David O. Russell film "The Fighter," a role that also earned her a Golden Globe award earlier this year. Why suspenseful? Because the award was given out by 94-year-old Kirk Douglas, who despite a stroke couldn't resist hamming it up for the audience, keeping the five nominees wondering who had won the Oscar for several minutes.

The 50-year-old Leo looked elegant in a white, lacy dress by Marc Bouwer. Visibly shaken, she courtsied to Douglas before launching into her acceptance speech. She alternately thanked those responsible for the movie and commented on how in awe she was to have won, even saying she was "kind of speechless" as she shaded her eyes to peer into the upper balconies of the massive theater. Her acceptance, however, will be best remembered for the four-letter obscenity she uttered on live television. Surprising? Not really. Gritty roles yield gritty acceptance speeches.

Last night's win was the first Oscar for Leo. She was nominated for bin 2009 for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in "Frozen River." Her acting credits include more than 30 films.

Other actors nominated for the 2011 Best Actress in a Supporting Role were:

Helena Bonham Carter for "The King's Speech"
Amy Adams for "The Fighter"
Hailee Steinfeld for "True Grit"
Jacki Weaver for "Animal Kingdom"

Sources:
Oscar.go.com: best supporting actress
Oscar.go.com: Melissa Leo acceptance speech
IMDB: Melissa Leo
sfgate: Melissa Leo wins best supporting actress Oscar
Daily Mail: Kirk Douglas steals Oscar show
LA Times: Deserving best supporting actress