Legendary Georgia Congressman Introduces Oscar-Winning Film

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Legendary Georgia congressman John Lewis was at the Oscars Sunday night, and introduced the movie that would eventually win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, "Green Book."

"Green Book," the depiction of the friendship that blossoms between a black master pianist and the gruff New York bouncer he hires as his bodyguard for a tour of the 1960s Deep South, also won Oscars for best supporting actor for Mahershala Ali and original screenplay for Brian Currie, Nick Vallelonga and Peter Farrelly, who also directed the film.

"I can bear witness that the portrait of that time and place in our history is very real. It is seared in my memory,” Lewis, an icon of the civil rights movement, said. "Our nation bears the scars of that time, as do I,” he said, referring to the scars he has from his involvement with the Selma marches.

"The whole story is about love," Farrelly said as he helped accept the best-picture prize at the Dolby Theatre. "It's about loving each other despite our differences, and finding out the truth about who we are. We're the same people."

For the first time in 30 years, the biggest night in Hollywood kicked off Sunday evening without a host, but the night quickly proved entertaining, brisk, and notably historic. Just a couple years after the Oscars faced criticism for its lack of diversity, the 91st Academy Awards saw more black artists win than ever before. It was a night of both records and upsets.

"Black Panther" made history. "Roma" auteur Alfonso Cuaron dominated with three Oscars including Best Director for the foreign language film. Black actors swept the supporting actor and actress categories, and Spike Lee won his first Oscar after years of nominations.

Read more: Hollywood, CA NewsOscar Winners 2019: The Complete List

Patch Editor Paige Austin contributed to this report.

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