Alan faced stiff competition in his supporting actor category -- most of all (in the opinion of yours truly) Eddie Murphy of DREAMGIRLS, who many considered a shoe-in. But Alan clinched it. The 73 year-old -- I marveled at how great he looks for his age -- mounted the stage, gave a heartfelt speech that he partly read, and even choked up toward the end.

Alan's low-key, gruff style makes this an especially fun win. (He's sooo not polished Hollywood -- and I love it.)

And, always a lovely thing when someone who's led such a long and admirable career finally gets their due.

Congrats from Fox Searchlight, Alan!

His competish is listed below:

Jackie Earle Haley,“Little Children”
Djimon Hounsou, "Blood Diamond"
Eddie Murphy,“Dreamgirls”
Mark Wahlberg, “The Departed”