The Academy loved Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, but there’s one critic the actor wanted to impress even more. The winner of this year’s Oscar for Best Actor stunned audiences with his portrayal of the great scientist Stephen Hawking in the film. And when Redmayne had the Oscar in hand, the genius himself let the world know he’s pleased not only with the performance, but with the recognition.
Hawking, who has fought a long battle against ALS and the odds, shared his pride and pleasure on Facebook, where he wrote: “Congratulations to Eddie Redmayne for winning an Oscar for playing me in The Theory of Everything movie. Well done Eddie, I’m very proud of you.” Hawking reportedly cried upon seeing the portrayal. An Oscar and Stephen Hawking’s approval–that’s two big wins in one night for Redmayne.