Get Out director Jordan Peele's Oscars speech is a lesson in never giving up

'I stopped writing this movie about twenty times because I thought it wasn't going to work'

'I stopped writing this movie about twenty times because I thought it wasn't going to work'

Huge congrats to Jordan Peele, who just became the first black nominee to win Best Original Screenplay for his directorial debut, Get Out.

But, as Peele told the audience at the Dolby Theatre when he went up to accept his award, his groundbreaking film very nearly didn't happen.

'I stopped writing this movie about twenty times because I thought it wasn't going to work' said Peele. 'I thought it was impossible. I thought no-one would ever make this movie. But I kept coming back to it because I knew that if people let me make this movie then people would hear and see it. I want to dedicate this to everyone who raised my voice, and let me make [it].'

Peele's history-making win was celebrated on social media by celebrities and Get Out fans alike. 'My first jump of the night!!! So happy for Get Out!!!' tweeted Chrissy Teigen.

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Ahead of the show, Peele was also sent a good luck message by Oprah Winfrey. 'Jordan, I’m so proud of you and what you’ve done to build EMPATHY by using story as a “weapon for change.” We’re all rooting for you tonight!' she wrote.

After collecting his award Peele reacted to the post-win press room with a Get Out reference:

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Later he tweeted, 'I just won an Oscar. WTF?!'

Lucy Pavia