Jordan Peele made history Sunday night when he became the first Black writer to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Peele, whose directorial debut Get Out also garnered him nods for Best Picture and Best Director, said, “I stopped writing this movie about 20 times because I thought it was impossible. I thought it would never work. I thought no one would let me make this movie…I want to dedicate this to everyone who let me raise my voice.”
Starring Best Actor nominee Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out has been hailed as one of the most interesting films of 2017. Made for less than $5 million, the film went on to earn more than $250 at the box office, making it the most profitable film of 2017.
On Sunday, Peele thanked fans by adding, “I love you for shouting out at the theater, for shouting out at the screen. Let’s keep going.”
Peele is just the fourth Black writer nominated for Best Original screenplay. He joins Suzanne de Passe (Lady Sings the Blues), Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing), and John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood), who’ve all been recognized by the academy for their work.