Oscar triumph for Sorkin as The Social Network wins
28th February 2011
Aaron Sorkin has followed up his Bafta success with an Academy Award for his adapted screenplay of The Accidental Billionaires, The Social Network.
His script for the David Fincher film, which is based on Ben Mezrich's book, was competing with Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy's screenplay for 127 Hours, based on Aron Ralston's Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Charles Portis' True Grit was among the other nominees, as well as Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini's Winter's Bone script and Michael Arndt's Toy Story 3 screenplay.
Accepting the award, Sorkin, who also adapted George Crile's Charlie Wilson's War for the big screen in 2007, said: 'You know what, it's just such an honour to be here tonight.'
It was a disappointing night for the Coen brothers, whose critically-acclaimed True Grit failed to pick up a single Oscar despite being nominated for ten awards.
The big winner on the night was The King's Speech, which picked up four Oscars including the coveted best director (Tom Hooper), best actor (Colin Firth) and best picture awards.