Express & Star comment: No Silence now for our Oscar star

And while such incredible success seems way out of reach for most of us, we should all take comfort from the Cannock-born director's achievement.

His story proves that with hard work and dedication it is possible to make it to the very top.

The film, which was shot in Staffordshire, cost just £12,000 to make – a chunk of which his step-father Andy and mother Lynne raised by selling cupcakes.

It was made on a shoestring budget and crowdfunded in its entirety.

In comparison, the budget for best picture winner The Shape of Water was 1,600 times as much at around £20 million.

From humble beginnings, Chris' film is now being shown in around 600 cinemas in America.

Prior to his Oscars triumph, Chris was not exactly an unknown in the celebrity stakes, having starred in Hollyoaks and directed several short films.

However, his success on the Tinseltown red carpet has propelled him into a whole new sphere.

In financial terms he will be made for life, and hopefully his victory will open up new doors in his profession, enabling him to fulfil his wildest dreams.

At just 28, the world is his oyster.

It is incredible to think that just last month he and his fiancee Rachel Shenton appeared at a showing of the film at the Electric Palace Picture House in Cannock.

The pair even hosted a question and answer session about the film.

It was all so different on Sunday night, when they spoke to a global audience of 33 million.

What Chris has achieved is truly amazing.

His story shows that no matter where you come from, and no matter what obstacles are put in your way, it is possible to achieve incredible success.

In a world where cynicism and negativity seem to rule all too often, we should never forget the power of dreams.

Each and every one of us, young and old, has the chance to make the most of what we have.

Never give up on your dreams. Success is within the grasp of us all.

Most importantly of all, don't stop believing.