Actor Hugh Jackman started the show with a medley honoring the movies competing for Best Picture (with special participation of Anne Hathaway). It was a fun and beautiful performance that introduced a new talent hosting the Academy Awards.
Because of poor ratings, the Academy did not have any press releases for the names of presenters this year. Normally, they would announce presenters' names one after another sometime in January. They've changed this strategy to make people watch "The Biggest Movie Event of the Year."
So what changed?
Usually the previous year's winner for Best Supporting Actress would present the winner for Best Supporting Actor of the year. And the previous year's winner for Best Supporting Actor would present the winner for Best Supporting Actress of the year. This also applies to Best Actor and Best Actress. This year, five past winners of an acting category walk on stage to honor the works of this year's nominees. It may be time-consuming but the picture of seeing them on stage was indescribable.
Last year's Best Supporting Actress, Tilda Swinton presented the award to Penélope Cruz who was emotional in briefly telling her background and the dream fulfilled.
Even if "Slumdog" was an early favorite for Best Picture, it was anybody's (in this case, any film's) game. If there's one category that was a case closed from the start, that would be for Best Supporting Actor. I found an article over the weekend that commented, "The idea that Heath Ledger won't win for 'The Dark Knight' is so unthinkable, I can only imagine mass walk-outs at the ceremony and riots breaking out across the country if it doesn't come to pass." I agree.
Heath Ledger's family accepting the award.
(Gary Hershorn/Reuters)
It was an emotional triumphant moment as Heath Ledger's family accepted the award from Best Supporting Actor. Kim Ledger, the actor's dad escorted her wife and daughter on the stage. Heath's sister was also emotional in celebration of his brother's well-loved career.
Jennifer Aniston was with Jack Black when they presented on stage the winner for Best Animated Feature, which was given to "Wall-E" (not my favorite, by the way). I just recalled that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were just meters away from the stage. They were in the front row! I want to feel the tension! Lol!
In other categories, "Slumdog Millionaire" took early Oscar wins for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Sound Mixing. Later in the show, A. R. Rahman won two (out of three) Oscars - Best Musical Score and Best Song for "Jai Ho" (the third nomination was for "O... Saya", Best Song). Over-all "Slumdog" took home eight Oscars (out of ten) including Best Picture.
A. R. Rahman holding his Oscars.
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES) (OSCARS-BACKSTAGE)
Slumdog Millionaire wins Best Picture.
REUTERS/Gary Hershorn (UNITED STATES) (OSCARS-SHOW)
Best Director was given to Danny Boyle.
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES) (OSCARS-BACKSTAGE)
The night was all about Kate Winslet ("The Reader") and Sean Penn ("Milk") who won Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively. Winslet who learned her lesson in the Golden Globes last month was still thrilled to accept the award but not as tongue-tied as before. In her case, sixth time's a charm. Since she couldn't see her dad, she asked her dad to whistle, which he did. Sean Penn took home his second Oscar leaving a strong message on equality among men.
Kate Winslet, Sean Penn and Penélope Cruz missing Heath Ledger in the photo op.
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES) (OSCARS-BACKSTAGE)
After months of blogs published, it's finally over. 'Til next Oscar season.
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