Perry’s speech has since gone viral on Twitter, with many praising the director for spreading a message of love and unity during these trying times.

“Congratulations Tyler, you humanitarian award-winning King,” tweeted Mariah Carey. “Celebrating you tonight and always!!!”

“Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry; I’d meet him in the middle or follow him… pretty much anywhere,” added NBC’s Stephanie Ruhle.

CBS correspondent David Begnaud said simply: “When Tyler Perry speaks, it’s a speech that inspires.”

And White House correspondent April D Ryan tweeted: “My friend Tyler Perry is always so poignant and intentional with his speeches.

“He is a man of faith who has overcome so much and he uses his speeches to inspire and encourage us all.”

Oscars 2021: why Tyler Perry’s viral Oscars speech has proven so incredibly divisive