‘Green Book’ springs surprises

Hollywood, (United States): Civil rights dramedy Green Book, the tale of a celebrated black pianist who befriends his white driver as they tour the segregated American South in the 1960s, overcame controversy to claim Oscars gold.

The critically acclaimed film on Sunday snatched the coveted best picture Oscar to wrap up the Academy Awards — a bit of an upset over Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma, which had been the heavy favorite.

The top prize was the third statuette of the night for Green Book, which earned a total of five nominations. Mahershala Ali won the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of pianist Don Shirley, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with driver Tony Lip Vallelonga (best actor nominee Viggo Mortensen). The film also won for best original screenplay.

“The whole story is about love. It’s about loving each other, despite our differences, and finding out the truth about who we are,” said director Peter Farrelly.

Green Book bested seven other films for top honors: Roma, superhero flick Black Panther, Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman, Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, offbeat royal romp The Favourite, musical romance A Star Is Born, and Dick Cheney biopic Vice.