Meryl Streep tops the Oscars 2012 winners list
MERYL Streep picked up her third Oscar last night for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.
The 62-year-old actress took home the award for best actress in the film which recounts the life of Margaret Thatcher during her time in power.
On accepting her speech she thanked her fans "for this inexplicable wonderful career" and paid special tribute to her husband, sculptor Don Gummer.
Oscars 2012: Meryl Streep taking home the award
The award comes as her 17th Oscar nomination, she last won the award in 1986 for her role in Sophie's Choice.
Her third win put her in a category with other three-time Oscar winners Jack Nicholson, Walter Brennan and Ingrid Bergman. Only Katharine Hepburn with four wins had more.
Meryl Streep took home the Oscar for Best Actress
She joked that the audience was probably tired of seeing her, then added, "whatever."
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Streep couldn't hide her emotion as she choked up while thanking her husband and talking about her long career.
Meryl Streep joined The Artist actor Jean Dujardin who took home the Oscar for Best Actor.
Meryl Streep thanked her nearest and dearest in acceptance of the Oscar
Dujardin was equally excited, exclaiming "I love this country" before thanking the Academy, fellow filmmakers and his wife and recalling silent actor Douglas Fairbanks as an inspiration.
The Artist did fantastically well on the night picking up the awards for best director and best film.
Oscars 2012: Best actor winner Jean Dujardin with film star dog Uggie
Director Michael Hazanavicius said: "I am the happiest director in the world right now. Thank you for that."
Christopher Plummer took the award for Best Supporting Actor while Octavia Spencer took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress
She said: "Thank you Academy for putting me with the hottest guy in the room."
Octavia Spencer received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress
She then went on to talk about her family in Alabama and could not hold back her tears as she joyously accepted her trophy.
LIST OF MAIN OSCARS
Best Picture: The Artist
Actress: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Actor: Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, The Help
Christopher Plummer with his Oscar