The British-Irish star beat fellow nominees Richard Gere in "Arbitrage," John Hawkes in "The Sessions," Joaquin Phoenix in "The Master" and Denzel Washington in "Flight."

"My fellow nominees, boys and girls, such beautiful performances this year. I'm very proud to be one amongst you," said Day-Lewis, paying tribute to Spielberg as a "humble master with a quicksilver imagination" and a friend.

"You have given me an experience that I will treasure until the end of my life," the actor said.