Christopher Plummer wins Oscar for gay dad role in Beginners

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Christopher Plummer has won the best supporting actor award at this year’s Oscars for his portrayal of a gay father in Beginners.

Plummer’s character comes out in his later life after being widowed and is based on the experiences of writer and director Mike Mills, whose own father came out at 75.

At 82, Plummer is the oldest actor to ever win an Oscar and it marks his own first Academy Award.

Other winners included Meryl Streep who took home the best actress gong for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in openly gay director Phyllida Lloyd’s The Iron Lady.

Jean Dujardin won best actor for his role in acclaimed silent film The Artist, which also earned the best picture and best director awards.

Brett Ratner stood down from his role producing the 2012 Academy Awards show itself after he told a press conference rehearsal was for “fags” last year.

Ratner has gone to some lengths to make amends for the slur. Earlier this month, it was announced he would produce and direct a GLAAD video campaign to promote equality for gay and trans people.