Oscars 2019: Regina King wins Outstanding Supporting Actress For ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

Regina King is having a great night. The actress, producer, and director can add Oscar-winner to her impressive list of achievement. King took home the first Oscar of the night for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” The actress beat out strong competition from Marina de Tavira (Roma), Amy Adams (Vice), and Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz  (The Favourite).

“To be standing here representing one of the greatest artists of our time, James Baldwin, it’s a little surreal,” King said during her acceptance speech. “James Baldwin birthed this baby and Barry [Jenkins], you nurtured her, you surrounded her with so much love and support, so it’s appropriate for me to be standing here because I’m an example of what it looks like when support and love is poured into someone.”

King paid tribute to her mother who was in the audience to celebrate her win. “Mom, I love you so much,” said King.  “Thank you for teaching me that God is always leaning, always has been leaning in my direction.”

Set in early 1970s Harlem, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” tells the story of daughter and wife-to-be Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny. Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together, but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit.

“If Beal Street Could Talk” is now playing on Amazon Prime.