Maynooth actor Paul Mescal has won Best Actor at the Olivier Awards for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in the Rebecca Fracknall's London production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.

Mescal fought off tough competition from David Tennant for Good; Tom Hollander for Patriots; Rafe Spall for To Kill A Mockingbird; and Giles Terera for Blues For An Alabama Sky.

During his acceptance speech at the Royal Albert Hall in London on last night, the 27-year-old appeared overwhelmed by the result, thanking the play's director and his fellow cast members.

He referred to Anjana Vasan as the greatest stage wife he could have asked for, and called Patsy Ferran (Blanche DuBois) "an acting wizard", as his sister Nell Mescal dubbed her.

He dedicated the award to his parents, nodding to his mother Dearbhla, who is receiving treatment for cancer, saying: "I hope you get better."

Paul Mescal’s acceptance speech for Best Actor at the Olivier Awards pic.twitter.com/2u0J1slGTc

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 2, 2023

Mescal's co-star Anjana Vasan won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and the production was also honoured with the Best Revival award.

Originally staged at the Almeida Theatre in north London, the production of A Streetcar Named Desire transferred to the Phoenix Theatre in the West End in March, with Mescal continuing in his lead role.

"It's my favourite play and it’s wonderful to be able to share it with a wider audience," the Kildare actor said ahead of the West End move, having earned rave reviews for his intense performance as Stella's abusive husband who torments his sister-in-law Blanche.

In March, Mescal was among the Best Actor nominees at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles for his performance in the coming-of-age drama Aftersun.

He is an IFTA and BAFTA winner for his breakout role in Normal People, and can currently be seen on Irish cinema screens opposite Emily Watson in the psychological drama God's Creatures.

In major news, he was recently announced as the lead role in Gladiator 2, opposite Dublin's Barry Keoghan as the villain.

The Olivier Award for Best Actor goes to @Mescal_Paul for @StreetcarPlay at the @AlmeidaTheatre.
#OlivierAwards pic.twitter.com/eCaIwQ01Al

— Olivier Awards (@OlivierAwards) April 2, 2023