JOIN USHip-hop star Common and John Legend's protest anthem 'Glory' from historical drama "Selma" won the best original song at the 87th Academy Aawrds here with both the artists delivering an emotional speech on equality.
'Glory' plays over the closing credits of the film about the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr (played by David Oyelowo), James Bevel and Hosea Williams.
It was written at the request of director Ava DuVernay.
This is the first Oscar for both the musicians.
In his acceptance speech, Common, 42, recalled how they performed on Edmund Pettus Bridge, an important landmark in the civil rights struggle where marchers were attacked while protesting in 1965.
"Recently, I and John got to go to Selma and perform 'Glory' on the same bridge that Doctor King and the people of the civil rights movement marched on 50 years ago. This bridge was the landmark of the divided nation but its now a symbol for change. The spirit of the bridge transcends race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and social status," said Common in his speech.
Legend, 36, echoed Common's sentiments, saying, "Selma is now because the struggle for justice is right now."
The speech left 'Selma' star David Oyelowo, producer Oprah Winfrey and actress Jessica Chastain in tears.
Glory beat a competitive field of songs: Shawn Pattersons' 'Everything is Awesome' (The Lego Movie), Diane Warren's 'Grateful' (Beyond The Lights), Glen Campbell and Julian Raymond's 'I am Not Gonna Miss you' (Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me) and Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois' 'Lost Stars' (Begin Again).
'Glory' also talks about the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014, following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown.
The Academy faced flak for failing to nominate Oyelowo and Duvernay.