In Shocking Twist, Moonlight Wins Best Picture

Well, there's some justice in the world after all. Defying the odds, but confirming the plurality of popular and critical opinion, Moonlight swept to Best Picture at the Oscars.

Though La La Land was the favorite--because if Hollywood loves anything it's a movie about itself--the quiet film about a black queer man's coming of age from director Barry Jenkins took the top prize.

In an odd twist to end the night, La La Land was originally announced as the winner, but due to a cue-card error, Moonlight was actually confirmed as the winner. And the cast of La La Land were gracious enough to present the award to the Moonlight cast themselves.

"There was a time I thought this movie was impossible," director Barry Jenkins said.

Related | A Moonlight Revolution: The Black Queer Experience Comes of Age in America

Moonlight also nabbed prizes for best adapted screenplay, and Mahershala Ali won best supporting actor for his role as Juan in the film.

In a noticeable departure from years past, particularly with the popularity and controversy of last year's #OscarsSoWhite, Moonlight's astonishing win gives hope for more stories being told that celebrate rather than ignore diversity.