The movie he starred in, An Irish Goodbye, won the coveted statuette for Best Live Action Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
James, who was celebrating his 31st birthday, was then serenaded by Hollywood's finest as he accepted the prize.
As he joined his cast members on stage, they started an impromptu version of Happy Birthday and the audience joined in.
James told the BBC: "It doesn't matter if you have Down syndrome.
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