Jared Leto has won the best supporting actor Oscar at the 86th Academy Awards for his role in the Aids drama Dallas Buyers Club, defeating a field that included 12 Years a Slave's Michael Fassbender and Jonah Hill, for The Wolf of Wall Street.
Leto plays HIV-positive transgender woman Rayon opposite Matthew McConaughey in the Texas-set account of a "buyers club" seeking out unapproved medication for their illness. The film, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, was based on the real-life story of Ron Woodroof, who died 1992; McConaughey lost over 40lbs (almost three stone) in body weight for the role. Leto, whose career took off with a role in cult TV sitcom My So-Called Life, was the strong favourite for the award.
In his acceptance speech, Leto gave special thanks to his mother Constance for her support and encouragement throughout his career. He also mentioned the situation in Ukraine, and urged all people facing injustice to have courage.
The Academy Awards are taking place at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, and are being hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.
• Xan Brooks's liveblog of the ceremony
• Full list of winners as they were announced
