The actress was always considered a firm favourite received a standing ovation. She is only the fifth black woman to win an award at this prestigious ceremony.

She said: “To my amazing husband, Sidney – thank you for showing me that sometimes you have to forego doing what’s popular, in order to do what’s right. And baby you were so right.”

Other nominees in the category were Penelope Cruz, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick.

The actress, whose real name is Monique Imes was best known as a comedian with roles in TV shows such as ‘The Parkers’. She gave thanks to the first black actress to win an Oscar, Hattie McDaniel who won best supporting actress in 1939 for ‘Gone With the Wind’.

“I want to thank Miss Hattie McDaniel for enduring all that she had to so that I would not have to,” she said. Mo’nique also thanked Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.

Precious also won ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’.