Zack Gottsagen becomes first Oscar presenter with Down syndrome

Gottsagen and LaBeouf were co-stars in The Peanut Butter Falcon

The Peanut Butter Falcon star Zack Gottsagen made history at the 92nd annual Oscars as the first presenter with Down syndrome.

On Sunday, Gottsagen took the stage at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, alongside his co-star Shia LaBeouf to present the Oscar for the live-action short film category.

Gottsagen had the honour of reciting: “The Oscar goes to…” before LaBeouf took over.

The 35-year-old actor, who played Zak in The Peanut Butter Falcon, a young man with dreams of becoming a professional wrestler, also accompanied LaBeouf on the red carpet for his very first Oscars.

On social media, the pair’s moment on stage was met with support and praise from viewers.

“Shia LaBeouf kissing Zack Gottsagen on the head to encourage/whatever him during his awards card reading is adorable, and I'll accept no other opinion,” one person wrote.

Another said: “I loved seeing Zach Gottsagen on stage with Shia LaBeouf at the Oscars. As the parent of a beautiful boy with Down syndrome, that moment resonates and matters.”