1. ‘The Hurt Locker’ is the big winner
Whether you were happy for the underdog or felt that it was another example of elitist Hollywood’s disconnect from the rest of us, there’s no doubt that the big story of the night was Katherine Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” winning big. Ms. Bigelow topped heavily favored and box office record breaker “Avatar” for Best Picture and Best Director. In total, the film garnered six Oscars.
After expressing her excitement and gratitude, Ms. Bigelow finished her acceptance speech for Best Director by saying, “And I'd just like to dedicate this to the women and men in the military who risk their lives on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. And may they come home safe. Thank you.”
2. Sandra Bullock wins Best Actress
America’s sweetheart Sandra Bullock had the distinction for being awarded a Worst Actress “Razzie” mock award the night before and then walked away with top acting honors on Hollywood’s biggest stage. She truly expressed gratitude, humility, and grace, and looked absolutely stunning.
Ms. Bullock won the award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the box office surprise of the year, “The Blind Side.” The Tuohy family took in a homeless Michael Oher and helped him achieve success both on the football field and in the classroom. Mr. Oher now is a starting lineman in the NFL.
In a touching moment, Bullock praised “what this film is about for me, which are the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from. Those moms and parents never get thanked.” She then choked up as she paid homage to her own mom who passed away this year. “I, in particular, failed to thank one. So ... if I can take this moment to thank Helga B.”
3. Jeff Bridges wins Best Actor
Whether you were happy for the underdog or felt that it was another example of elitist Hollywood’s disconnect from the rest of us, there’s no doubt that the big story of the night was Katherine Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” winning big. Ms. Bigelow topped heavily favored and box office record breaker “Avatar” for Best Picture and Best Director. In total, the film garnered six Oscars.
After expressing her excitement and gratitude, Ms. Bigelow finished her acceptance speech for Best Director by saying, “And I'd just like to dedicate this to the women and men in the military who risk their lives on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. And may they come home safe. Thank you.”
2. Sandra Bullock wins Best Actress
America’s sweetheart Sandra Bullock had the distinction for being awarded a Worst Actress “Razzie” mock award the night before and then walked away with top acting honors on Hollywood’s biggest stage. She truly expressed gratitude, humility, and grace, and looked absolutely stunning.
Ms. Bullock won the award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the box office surprise of the year, “The Blind Side.” The Tuohy family took in a homeless Michael Oher and helped him achieve success both on the football field and in the classroom. Mr. Oher now is a starting lineman in the NFL.
In a touching moment, Bullock praised “what this film is about for me, which are the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from. Those moms and parents never get thanked.” She then choked up as she paid homage to her own mom who passed away this year. “I, in particular, failed to thank one. So ... if I can take this moment to thank Helga B.”
3. Jeff Bridges wins Best Actor
Introducing Jeff Bridges during the ceremonies, co-star on the “The Fabulous Baker Boys” Michele Pfeiffer praised Mr. Bridges for showing that it’s possible to have it all—career, successful marriage, and wonderful children.
Mr. Bridges, 60, beamed from the stage after his name was called for his title role in “Crazy Heart.” His first of four other Oscar nominations came nearly 40 years ago, in 1971, for his work in “The Last Picture Show.” Another one of his famous roles with a cult following was the title character in the Coen Brothers “The Big Lebowski”— which has become the subject of T shirts and even a festival.
In his acceptance speech, he said “Thank you, mom and dad, for turning me on to such a groovy profession … They loved show biz so much, and I feel an extension of them. You know, this, this is honoring them as much as it is me … And I especially want to thank my gorgeous wife, Sue, we’ve been married 33 years. We have a beautiful family—three girls—Isabelle, Jessie and Hayley. Thank you, guys. I wouldn’t be up here without you.”
4. Mo’Nique wins Best Supporting Actress
Mr. Bridges, 60, beamed from the stage after his name was called for his title role in “Crazy Heart.” His first of four other Oscar nominations came nearly 40 years ago, in 1971, for his work in “The Last Picture Show.” Another one of his famous roles with a cult following was the title character in the Coen Brothers “The Big Lebowski”— which has become the subject of T shirts and even a festival.
In his acceptance speech, he said “Thank you, mom and dad, for turning me on to such a groovy profession … They loved show biz so much, and I feel an extension of them. You know, this, this is honoring them as much as it is me … And I especially want to thank my gorgeous wife, Sue, we’ve been married 33 years. We have a beautiful family—three girls—Isabelle, Jessie and Hayley. Thank you, guys. I wouldn’t be up here without you.”
4. Mo’Nique wins Best Supporting Actress
Lauded for her gritty portrayal of an abusive mother in the film “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” MoNique was both composed and emotional as she said “To my amazing husband, Sidney, thank you for showing me that sometimes you have to forego doing what’s popular in order to do what’s right. And baby, you were so right. God bless us all.”
5. Oprah honors Gabourey Sidibe
In a tender moment during the Best Actress introductions, the queen of media herself, who also served as executive producer on the film “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” introduced newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. She told her she was like Cinderella and that in her first film, she was a co-nominee with Meryl Streep. Ms. Sidibe truly had a precious, teary-eyed look as she watched Oprah shower her with praise.
6. Meryl Streep—16 Oscar Nominations
She has won the statuette twice, yet she’s been nominated more than any other actor with her 16 nominations, dating back to “Deer Hunter” in 1978. This time she was nominated for her hilarious portrayal of Julia Child in the film “Julie & Julia.” She was also the subject of many a co-stars comedic quip, such as co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, as well as Stanley Tucci, who introduced her nomination.
7. Tim Robbins honors Morgan Freeman
In another heartfelt and funny Best Actor nomination introduction, Tim Robbins recalled the days of working with Morgan Freeman on the “Shawshank Redemption.” He nailed the right amount of self-deprecating humor with heartfelt wisdom relayed by Mr. Freeman during their time spent together. Mr. Freeman was nominated for playing Nelson Mandela in Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus.”
8. John Hughes Honored
The late writer and director was honored with a montage of his classic 1980s and 1990s films. The montage was introduced by Molly Ringwald (“Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club”) and Matthew Broderick of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” They were then joined by more Hughes Alumni, Macaulay Culkin, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Jon Cryer, and Anthony Michael Hall. While comedies, the type of films Hughes was famous for rarely earn nominations at the Oscar without a separate category for the genre, it was a classy way to honor the originator of the brat pack films and other iconic roles.
9. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin
5. Oprah honors Gabourey Sidibe
In a tender moment during the Best Actress introductions, the queen of media herself, who also served as executive producer on the film “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” introduced newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. She told her she was like Cinderella and that in her first film, she was a co-nominee with Meryl Streep. Ms. Sidibe truly had a precious, teary-eyed look as she watched Oprah shower her with praise.
6. Meryl Streep—16 Oscar Nominations
She has won the statuette twice, yet she’s been nominated more than any other actor with her 16 nominations, dating back to “Deer Hunter” in 1978. This time she was nominated for her hilarious portrayal of Julia Child in the film “Julie & Julia.” She was also the subject of many a co-stars comedic quip, such as co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, as well as Stanley Tucci, who introduced her nomination.
7. Tim Robbins honors Morgan Freeman
In another heartfelt and funny Best Actor nomination introduction, Tim Robbins recalled the days of working with Morgan Freeman on the “Shawshank Redemption.” He nailed the right amount of self-deprecating humor with heartfelt wisdom relayed by Mr. Freeman during their time spent together. Mr. Freeman was nominated for playing Nelson Mandela in Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus.”
8. John Hughes Honored
The late writer and director was honored with a montage of his classic 1980s and 1990s films. The montage was introduced by Molly Ringwald (“Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club”) and Matthew Broderick of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” They were then joined by more Hughes Alumni, Macaulay Culkin, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Jon Cryer, and Anthony Michael Hall. While comedies, the type of films Hughes was famous for rarely earn nominations at the Oscar without a separate category for the genre, it was a classy way to honor the originator of the brat pack films and other iconic roles.
9. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin
The two actors/comedians were in prime form, bantering back and forth and cracking jokes at the expense of those sitting in the front section of the theater. In one clever zinger, Martin informed that he wrote the speech for one winner, who had become emotional and teary eyed during his acceptance speech. In another moment, a video showed the two wearing “snuggies” sitting on a couch watching TV.
10. Ben Stiller as a Navi
In a gag that would have elicited a single laugh from a lesser comedian, Stiller donned blue paint, a wig, and a tail to look like a character from “Avatar,” as he introduced the award for best make-up. A Picture is worth a thousand words.
10. Ben Stiller as a Navi
In a gag that would have elicited a single laugh from a lesser comedian, Stiller donned blue paint, a wig, and a tail to look like a character from “Avatar,” as he introduced the award for best make-up. A Picture is worth a thousand words.
