The British drama The King's Speech took top honors at the Academy Awards in Hollywood Sunday evening, earning the Oscar for best picture, and awards for lead actor Colin Firth and director Tom Hooper.  The film was also honored for its original screenplay.  

Director Steven Spielberg announced the winner of the evening's top award, a film about the stuttering British monarch, George VI.   

"And the Oscar goes to The King's Speech," announced Steven Spielberg.

Natalie Portman was named best actress for the psychological drama Black Swan.  Christian Bale and Melissa Leo were honored for their supporting roles in the boxing film The Fighter.

Backstage, Bale said he is pleased with the film's impact.

"I'm so flattered when anybody, any person, walks up to me and says that they were really touched by a particular performance.  I really adore that," he said.

The science fiction film Inception also won four Oscars - for sound editing, sound mixing, cinematography and visual effects.