Original screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, ‘Milk’

Dustin Lance Black

“Milk”

In accepting his award, “Milk” screenwriter Black dutifully dispatched with the thank-yous and then -- in keeping with the spirit of the film about gay rights activist Harvey Milk -- got personal and political.

Black recalled being raised in a Mormon home and hearing Milk’s story around the time his family moved to California. “It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and then maybe even I could even fall in love and one day get married,” said the first-time nominee and writer on HBO’s “Big Love.”

“I want to thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am . . . ,” he said. “But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches, by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures who have value. And that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you.”