Let's be real: the 88th annual Academy Awards [1] belonged to Alejandro González Iñárritu. The Mexican-born director's epic film The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio [2], earned a whopping 12 nominations [3] — including a best director win and an Oscar for Leo, who said Alejandro had "created a transcendent cinematic experience."

Though Alejandro is known for giving actors all the credit [4], he totally deserves his Oscars success as one of the few Latinos [5] to have been honored by The Academy. "What a great opportunity for our generation," he said during his powerful acceptance speech, addressing #OscarsSoWhite [6], "to make sure that the color of our skin becomes as relevant as the length of our hair."

And he didn't stop there! Keep reading to relive Alejandro's showstopping night [7].

On the Red Carpet With His Wife, María Eladia Hagerman

Showing Off His Game Face

Clapping For His Colleagues

Accepting His Best Director Award — and Giving an Empowering Speech

Right After Becoming One of Few Directors to Win an Oscar 2 Years in a Row

Posing With His Oscar

Taking a Selfie With Leonardo DiCaprio

Getting Silly With All The Revenant Winners

Celebrating With Friends and Colleagues

Having a Drink or 2