Melissa Leo swears in Oscar acceptance speech

Melissa Leo became the first person in Oscar history to use the word "f**k" in an acceptance speech last night (27.02.11).

The 50-year-old actress won Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'The Fighter', and after accepting her award from screen veteran Kirk Douglas, Melissa nervously spoke about how she had previously thought it would be easy to get on stage and take the prize.

She joked: "When I watched Kate Winslet two years ago it looked so f***ing easy."

Although the word was 'bleeped' for television audiences, the crowd erupted into laughter.

However, the brunette star went on to apologise to anyone who was offended.

Speaking backstage, she said: "I had no idea. Those words, I apologise to anyone that they offend. There's a great deal of the English language that is in my vernacular."

Presenter Kirk, 94, was greeted with rapturous applause arriving on stage to present the Best Supporting Actress Prize, and even found time to flirt with host Anne Hathaway.

He said: "Where were you when I was making movies?"

When Melissa arrived on stage to accept the award, he quipped: "You are much more beautiful than you were in 'The Fighter'."