Swindon’s own Maisie Sly has topped off her trip to Hollywood in style, after the film she starred in, The Silent Child, was announced as the winner Best Live Action Short Film at the 90th Academy Awards.

Six-year-old Maisie, who plays the main character, Libby, in the film, in what was her first ever acting role, was accompanied to the glitzy ceremony in Los Angeles by her mother Elizabeth, co-star and writer Rachel Shenton, and the short film’s director Chris Overton.

And while a little young to be enjoying a champagne celebration, Maisie will be returning to her Upper Stratton home as one of the youngest actors to have starred in an Oscar-winning film.

The Silent Child beat four contenders to the award: DeKalb Elementary, The Eleven O’Clock, My Nephew Emmett and Watu Wote/All of Us.

The Silent Child follows Libby, a profoundly deaf child born to a hearing family who struggle to communicate with their daughter.

As a result, she grows up isolated and develops behavioural problems until a social worker, played by Rachel Shenton, comes in to help.

Rachel, most famous for her role as Mitzeee Minniver in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, wrote the film to raise awareness of the issues around hearing impairment and to improve viewers’ understanding of the condition.

She was inspired to do so by her experiences with her father, who became deaf following chemotherapy when she was 12.

The film was directed by Rachel’s fiancé Chris Overton, with a £10,000 crowdfunded budget.

Maisie earned her role following a nationwide search, during which over 100 children auditioned for the part.

After filming, a surprise screening of The Silent Child was organised by Rachel at Maisie’s school, Red Oaks Primary, in August.

Maisie then flew with her proud parents, Elizabeth, who is also deaf, and Gilson, who is partially deaf, to the film’s international premiere in Rhode Island – her first visit to the US, and her first time on a plane.

The film was given its first public screening in Swindon last month at the Swindon Arts Centre. Gilson, who spoke before and after the showing, said: “It’s a great pleasure to be able to finally show this in Swindon.

“It’s a film to be appreciated, and to spread a message. Let people know what you’ve seen and the emotions you’ve felt.”