Michelle Obama Names 'Best Picture' in Surprise Oscars Appearance

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

The first lady named the Best Picture winner Sunday night. Michelle Obama announced the big award in a surprise appearance live from the White House at Sunday's Academy Awards, naming Hollywood hit "Argo" as Best Picture of the year.

"Argo," which was directed by Hollywood heartthrob Ben Affleck, reigned victorious Sunday night, bringing home three of the seven awards for which it was nominated, the most notable being Best Picture.

Argo, a film about a plan executed by the CIA to rescue six Americans trapped in Iran during the Carter-era hostage crisis, went head to head with other politically driven films such as "Lincoln" and "Zero Dark Thirty," but came out on top.

In her surprise appearance, Michelle Obama presented the award live from the Diplomatic Room of the White House.

During her announcement, Obama was shimmering in her silver Naeem Khan dress. Obama is a frequent costumer of the Indian-born, U.S. fashion designer and has often been spotted donning his pieces. Obama's most recent appearance wearing a Khan outfit was during the National Prayer Service last month when she wore a custom-made wool coat and dress.

Check Out Some More of Michelle Obama's Looks Here

The first lady spoke via satellite Sunday night and praised the films nominated by the Academy, saying, the movies "took us back in time and all around the world. They made us laugh. They made us weep and made us grip our armrests just a little tighter. They taught us that love can endure against all odds and transform our minds in the most surprising ways. And they reminded us that we can overcome any obstacle if we dig deep enough and fight hard enough and find the courage to believe in ourselves."

Affleck, the film's director, was not nominated in the Best Director category for "Argo," but he gladly accepted the Best Picture award, taking the stage to thank struggling Iranians and his wife, actress Jennifer Garner.

"I want to thank our friends in Iran living in a terrible circumstance right now," he said. "I want to thank my wife, who I don't normally associate with Iran, but I want to thank you for working on our marriage. … It is work, but it's the best kind of work and there's no one I'd rather work with."