Denzel Washington wins best actor Oscar

5.30pm

LOS ANGELES - Actor Denzel Washington won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of a corrupt cop in "Training Day."

Washington's victory marked the second time in the history of the US film industry's top honours that a black actor won in the best actor category. The last was Sidney Poitier, who won for 1963's "Lilies of the Field."

Washington was a sentimental favourite in this year's race, having lost two years ago for "The Hurricane."

But he faced a list of strong contenders for the best actor prize including Tom Wilkinson in "In the Bedroom," Will Smith in "Ali," Sean Penn in "I Am Sam," and last year's Oscar winner Russell Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind."

The Academy Awards are given out each year by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in a ceremony televised live around the globe.

Oscar nominees and winners (full list)

nzherald.co.nz/oscars