Even the most patriotic among us didn't dare get too excited about Tsotsi's race for an Oscar. We were all thrilled about the nomination, of course - but we did not allow ourselves to dream the movie would walk off with the little golden statue.
After all, we were up there with the finest films in the world, and then the unbelievable happened- we did it! When Will Smith's American twang announced Tsotsi as the winner in the Best Foreign Language Film category the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles erupted and across South Africa people went wild with joy. Director Gavin Hood then delivered what overseas critics have dubbed "the most emotional speech of the night.
"NkoslSikelel Africa God bless Africa!" he shouted in a trembling voice while Hollywood's biggest movers and shakers clapped and cheered.
