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No, Sam Smith isn't the first openly gay man to win an Oscar

Sam Smith Oscars
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Singer Sam Smith won the Oscar for best original song for "Writing's On The Wall," the theme from Bond movie "Spectre."

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During his acceptance speech, Smith referenced an interview with Sir Ian McKellen. According to Smith, McKellan has said that no openly gay man had ever won an Academy Award. Smith also said he wasn't sure if that was true, but either way he wanted to dedicate his award to the LGBTQ community. 

It's a lovely sentiment, but Smith isn't quite right.

McKellen did give an interview, but his comment was about an out man winning the Oscar specifically for best actor, not just any Oscar. You can read that interview here

Several openly gay men have won Oscars over the years. Elton John took one home in 1995 for his work on "The Lion King," as well as screenwriter Dustin Lance Black in 2008 for "Milk." 

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