LOS ANGELES, Feb 29 — Italian composer Ennio Morricone won the Academy Award for best original score yesterday for his work on Quentin Tarantino’s epic Western The Hateful Eight.

After receiving a standing ovation from the audience, he gave special mention to fellow nominee John Williams, before thanking Tarantino in his acceptance speech.

“Thank you to the Academy for this prestigious honour,” he said through an interpreter.

The 87-year-old composer was nominated five times prior to this, scoring his first nod for Days of Heaven.

His other nominations were for The Mission, The Untouchables, Bugsy and Malèna.

He was awarded an honorary Oscar at the 2007 ceremony.