Oscars 2019: Mahershala Ali wins best actor in supporting role for 'Green Book'

Mahershala Ali took home the award for best actor in a supporting role for his portrayal of pianist Dr. Don Shirley in 'Green Book' at the Oscars 2019.

Ali previously won in the same category two years ago for Barry Jenkins' 'Moonlight'. He followed in the footsteps of actor Denzel Washington and became the second black actor to win more than one Oscar for acting, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

Washington won the best supporting actor for 'Glory' in 1989 and the best actor for 'Training Day' in 2001.

Ali dedicated his win to his grandmother "who has been in my ear my entire life telling me that if at first I don't succeed try, try again. That I could do anything I put my mind to. Always, always pushing me to think positively and I know that I would not be here without her. She's gotten me over the hump every step of the way."

Ali beat out fellow nominees including Adam Driver for 'BlacKkKlansman', Richard E. Grant for 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?', Sam Elliott for 'A Star Is Born', and Sam Rockwell for 'Vice'.

Before this, the actor won supporting actor honours at the Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, SAG Awards and Critics' Choice Awards.

Apart from best supporting actor, 'Green Book' garnered five Oscar nominations overall for best picture, best actor for Viggo Mortensen, best original screenplay, and best film editing.