Sacramento's own Brie Larson is taking home the prize for leading actress-- for her performance in "Room."
Larson was born in Sacramento and one of her teachers fondly remembers her. Retired third grade teacher
Joan Smock is proud of her former student.
"I'm so excited for Brie," said Larson.
It was joy and jubilation in Elk Grove after actress Larson win.
"It's been 20 years of her working so hard," said Smock.
Smock saw that special in something in Larson since the very beginning.
"You know I just remember her very fondly. She was just so determined," said Smock. "She was a teachers dream to be honest. Very diligent. Very hard working."
She was ecstatic to watch Larson take center stage Sunday night.
"I'm tickled pink too be honest with you. I'm so happy for her. My little third grader, growing up, going to Hollywood, starting in little skits here and there and little dance shows, and all of a sudden making it to
Hollywood to the Oscars. That's big time," said Smock.
Smock admitted she hasn't watched the movie "Room" yet. She said the drama would be tough to watch. But Smock said she'll watch it now that Larson has taken home Oscar gold.
Brie Larson's big win at the Oscars is a big deal for Sacramento. She's the first Sacramento native to take home an Oscar since Tom Hanks won for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.