Common and John Legend are Oscar winners for Best Original Song. The duo won the coveted statuette for their track "Glory" from the film Selma, also a Best Picture nominee. Legend and Common, recognized by their given names, John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn, received their award just moments after delivering an impassioned performance of the song that drew a standing ovation from the audience, and tears from lead actor David Oyelowo.

"This bridge was once a landmark of a divided nation, but is now a symbol of change," said Common during their acceptance speech. Added Legend, "We wrote this song for a film about events that took place fifty years ago, but Selma is now. There are more Black men under correctional control today than under slavery in 1850." He then expressed solidarity for Black men across the country who have fallen victim to racism and brutality. "March on," he concluded.
A HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AT THE OSCARS

This is the first Oscar for both artists. The pair won the Golden Globe Award for their work last month. Common and the entire team from Selma, including Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay, celebrated the film's nominations at a pre-Oscar bash in Los Angeles Saturday night.
"Glory" beat out "Grateful" from Beyond the Lights, "Everything is Awesome" from the Lego Movie, "Lost Stars" from Begin Again and "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" from documentary Glen Campbell: I'll be Me.  
Congrats to Common and John Legend!

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(Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)