Graham Moore, Imitation Game writer, receives Oscars standing ovation after candidly discussing suicide bid

Moore's admission had the assembled talent on their feet after talking about the plight of gay codebreaker Alan Turing

The Imitation Game: Graham Moore (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Graham Moore may be part of the behind-the-scenes staff as a writer, but at last night's Oscars ceremony he gained the world's attention by bravely admitting that he attempted suicide as a confused teenager.

After being presented the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay by Oprah Winfrey, an emotional Moore launched into a speech about his tough youth.

Talking about the subject of the prize-winning film, Enigma codebreaker Alan Turing, Moore spoke about how lucky he's been.

"So, here's the thing. Alan Turing never got to stand on a stage like this to look out on all these disconcertingly attractive faces, and I do. And that's the most unfair thing I think I've ever heard.

"When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt I did not belong. And now I'm standing here I would like this moment to be for that kid out there who feels she's weird or she's different or she doesn't fit in anywhere - yes, you do. I promise you do.

"Stay weird, stay different and when it's your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the message on to the next person who comes along."

Moore adapted Andrew Hodges' book Alan Turing: The Enigma for screen, and is working on The Devil in The White City, which will star Leonardo DiCaprio.