Sam Smith wrongly suggests he is first gay man to win Oscar

The star also dedicated his win to the ‘LGBT community across the world.’

Oscar winner Sam Smith has divided opinion across the LGBT community after scooping the award for Best Original Song at this year’s ceremony.

The openly gay singer won the award for Writing on The Wall – the soundtrack to recent Bond offering, Spectre.

As the singer took to the stage, he was clearly overwhelmed by the win. After reeling off a few expletives, Smith referenced a recent interview by legendary gay actor Sir Ian McKellen.

“I read an article a few months ago by Sir Ian McKellen and he said no openly gay man had won an Oscar,” he said.

“If this is the case, I want to dedicate this to the LGBT community around the world.

“I stand here tonight as a proud gay man and I hope that we can all stand as equals one day.”

However, McKellen’s statement – in which he said homophobia is as equally problematic in Hollywood as racism – only referred to the Best Actor category.

In 1995 Elton John claimed the gong for Best Original Song and in 2009 Tom Daley’s fiance Dustin Lance Black won Best Original Screenplay for Milk.

Although Sir Elton is yet to respond to Smith’s error, Lance Black was quick to lash out a the singer on Twitter.

The writer hit back at Smith in brilliant fashion, by accusing the star of texting his boyfriend – Olympic diver Tom Daley.

“Hey @SamSmithWorld, if you have no idea who I am, it may be time to stop texting my fiancé,” he wrote. ​

Sadly for Smith, Lance Black was not the only one left unimpressed by his win – as Lady Gaga fans shared there disproval and accused the academy of transphobia, for failing to recognise the singer’s track Til It Happens To You song.

Despite the backlash, Smith’s remarks still drew some praise, with Ellen DeGeneres tweeting her approval.

“Congrats @samsmithworld on a beautiful speech and @ladygaga on a moving performance #Oscars,” she wrote.

• Nov 29 2023

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