Geoffrey Fletcher has become the first African American to bag an 'Oscar' award for screenwriting.

The 39-year-old Fletcher, an adjunct professor of film at Columbia University and NYU, shocked some by defeating favorite Jason Reitman, writer/director of "Up in the Air".

The screenwriter of "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire", of "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire," is the first African American screenwriter to take home an Academy Award.

In his breathless acceptance speech, the Connecticut-born writer said, "I don't know what to say."

This was Feltcher's first produced script, for which he was also presented an Independent Spirit Award.

In past years, 5 other African American film writers had been nominated including Lonne Elder and Suzanne de Passe in 1972: Elder for his adapted script for "Sounder," and Passe's original screenplay for "Lady Sings the Blues."

Charles Fuller hit a nomination in the year 1984 for his adapted script "A Soldier's Story," which was based on his own book.

Spike Lee scored a nomination in the year 1989 for "Do The Right Thing" script, and John Singleton was also chosen in 1991 for "Boyz n the Hood."

Geoffrey also joined Bigelow Sunday night in making history in Academy Awards. The 58-year-old director of "The Hurt Locker" became the first woman to have a Best Director Academy Award. (With Input from Agencies)