Lupita Nyong'o was emotional and overwhelmed as she received her first Oscar award here Sunday. She was named the best supporting actress for her intense act in '12 Years a Slave'.

The actress essays Patsey, a slave who becomes the object of her brutal master's sexual obsessions, in the film.

Looking graceful in a soothing blue gown, she was in tears on the stage.

"Thank you for the Academy for this wonderful recognition...This has been the joy of my life," she said.

Nyong'o thanked her director Steve McQueen, her co-stars and her family.

"When I look at this golden statue, I feel like telling every child that no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid," she said.

She was nominated alongside Sally Hawkins ('Blue Jasmine'), Jennifer Lawrence ('American Hustle'), Julia Roberts ('August: Osage County') and June Squibb ('Nebraska').

Squibb, at 88, was the oldest nominee at the 86th Academy Awards.