Oscars glory for King’s Speech and Colin Firth

The King’s Speech also won Oscars in the best director category, for Tom Hooper, and best original screenplay for David Seidler.

There was also success for British actor Christian Bale who won best supporting actor for The Fighter.

Elsewhere Natalie Portman won best actress for her role in Black Swan while the Oscar for best supporting actress went to Melissa Leo for The Fighter.

The Social Network, a film about Facebook, won best adapted screenplay.

Oprah Winfrey presented the best documentary award to Inside Job.

I have a feeling my career has just peaked. Colin Firth

The film, about the collapse of America’s financial institutions, beat elusive Bristol-based graffiti artist Banksy who was nominated for Exit through the Gift Shop.

Rumours have been rife that Banksy was in fact at the Oscars.

Banksy inspired artist “Pure Evil” told Channel 4 News his idol has definitely been in LA: “Obviously he’s been over there doing a lot of graffiti. Without a doubt it’s been genuine. He’s definitely out there doing his thing.”

Pure Evil added: “There are rumours flying around he was in the (Oscars) room but that is complete speculation.

“One guy said he was there. Apparently a guy was there with spray painty hands.”

A spokeswoman for Banksy told Channel 4 News she would not confirm nor deny if he was at the Oscars.

Read more: The King's Speech - does it live up to expectations?

Oscar speeches

Colin Firth was overjoyed to be awarded the accolade but said the most rewarding aspect of making The King’s Speech had been the positive feedback from fans.

The best actor victory was expected for the 50-year-old after his acclaimed portrayal of reluctant wartime King George VI, struggling to overcome a crippling speech impediment.

“I have a feeling my career has just peaked,” Firth deadpanned as he accepted his Academy Award. He also won Golden Globe, BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild trophies for the role.

“I am experiencing stirrings somewhere in the upper abdominals which are threatening to form themselves into dance moves, which joyous as they may be for me, would be extremely problematic if they make it to my legs before I get off stage,” he added.

Natalie Portman wiped tears from her eyes onstage while cradling her gold statuette. She thanked her family, co-stars and director Darren Aronofsky.

“This is insane,” she said, “and I truly, sincerely wish the prize was to get to work with my fellow nominees.” Backstage, she told reporters she felt she was in a dream.

Legally Blonde star Reese Witherspoon presented the Best Supporting Actor award to Christian Bale for The Fighter.

Welsh-born Bale said: “What a room full of talented, inspirational people and what am I doing in the midst of you?”

He also paid tribute to his wife who he said was “my mast through the storms of life”.

The writer of The King’s Speech picked up an Oscar and dedicated it to “all the stutterers throughout the world”.

My father always said to me I would be a late bloomer. David Seidler

London-born David Seidler who won the best original screenplay for The King’s Speech said: “My father always said to me I would be a late bloomer. I believe I’m the oldest person to win this award.”

He went on to thank the Queen for “not putting me in the Tower of London” for the film’s use of swearing.

He added: “All the stutterers throughout the world, we have a voice, we have been heard, thanks to you the academy.”

Oscar winners in main categories

Best film - The King's Speech

Best actor - Colin Firth, The King's Speech

Best supporting actor - Christian Bale, The Fighter

Best actress - Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Best supporting actress - Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Best director - Tom Hooper, The King's Speech

Best documentary feature - Inside Job

Best adapted screenplay - Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network

Best original screenplay - David Seidler, The King's Speech