Hollywood Actor Mahershala Ali has conquered Best Supporting Actor at this year's Oscars Awards ceremony for his performance in 'Moonlight' Barry Jenkins' acclaimed drama. The performer knocked out the likes of 'Nocturnal Animals' of Michael Shannon, 'Hell or High Water' of Jeff Bridges, Lucas Hedges's Manchester by the Sea and BAFTA winner 'Lion' of Dev Patel to get the trophy for one of the extremely hotly challenged categories of the evening. Coming of life drama Moonlight follows protagonist Chiron through three degrees of his life. Ali plays Juan, a smack dealer who gets Chiron under his wing to defend him from the emotional abuse bought out by his mother which is played by Naomie Harris. The actor, who became a dad just last week, was presented the award by closing year's Supporting Actress Winner 'Alicia Vikander'. Followed by a standing ovation from viewers, Ali delivered an emotional speech in which he praised the movie which was a breakout hit following its debut at last year's carnival season. 'He had so many incredible teachers while growing up, and one thing that they consistently told him was it wasn’t about him, it’s not about him. It’s regarding those characters. He is in service to those stories and those characters. And he is so glad to have had an opportunity to do that.' Ali also leads in Best Picture nominee Hidden Figures. Mahershala Ali was born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore and he is a 43 years old actor who resides in Oakland, California. He has acted as an actor for the former fourteen years, after initially seeking a career in basketball After getting scholarship at St Mary’s College of California in the sport. Mahershala is wedded to wife Amatus Sami-Karim and is a practicing Muslim after being raised by an appointed Christian minister mother. Mahershala’s breakthrough movie role was in 2008’s 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', which he cast in alongside Brad Pitt. Since then, he has been a productive actor on both the big and small screens, getting roles in a string of highly-acclaimed movies and TV shows. In TV, these combine Remy Danton in 'House of Cards', Richard Tyler in 'The 4400' and one-off parts in 'CSI, NYPD Blue', and 'Law and Order' as well