Mark Rylance Wins Best Supporting Actor at Oscars 2016, Credits Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg for the Win

Actor takes home one of the most prestigious awards of the evening

By Kendall Fisher Feb 29, 2016 3:46 AMTags
Mark Rylance, 2016 Oscars, Academy Awards, WinnerMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

A big congrats goes out to Mark Rylance on his very first Oscar!

The actor took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actor at the 88th Academy Awards for his role in Bridge of Spies, defeating a slew of competitive nominees, including: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Mark Ruffalo and Sylvester Stallone.

However, he swears he couldn't do it on his own, thanking director Steven Spielberg and co-star Tom Hanks for helping him see success throughout the film.

"I've always just adored stories—hearing them, seeing in them, being in them," he told the crowd upon accepting the Oscar. "So for me to have the chance to work with one of the greatest story-tellers of our time, Steven Spielberg, it's just been such an honor. And unlike some of the leaders we're being presented with these days, he leads with such love that he's being surrounding by masters in every craft on this film, not the least Mr. Tom Hanks."

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He continued, "If you ever wondered if acting with Tom Hanks and would it help, the answer is clearly yes."

Rylance also took a moment to congratulate his fellow nominees and explain the honor it is to be placed in the same category as them.

"It's a wonderful time to be an actor and I'm proud to be part of it."

Watch E!'s live 2016 Oscars red carpet coverage starting at 1:30p.m. ET/10:30a.m. PT on Sunday, February 28th