Eight-time Oscar nominee Christopher Nolan clinched his first best director Oscar for the biographical thriller Oppenheimer at the 96th Academy Awards on Monday (IST).

Nolan had to compete against Martin Scorsese (for Killers of the Flower Moon), Justine Triet (for Anatomy of a Fall) and Yorgos Lanthimos (for Poor Things) in the category for best director.

Despite getting nominated for blockbuster hits like Inception and The Dark Knight, Nolan could not bag the best director trophy at the Oscars in the past. The prestigious award was presented to Nolan by none other than iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg this year, adding a special touch to the momentous occasion.

“Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old,” Nolan said in his acceptance speech, adding, “We don't know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think I'm a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”

This Oscar win is the latest in a series of accolades for Nolan and Oppenheimer. The filmmaker has already secured best director honors at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) for the film.