Millions across the world tuned in to the 81st Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22 where viewers cheered on their favorite films, actors and actresses of the year.
Hugh Jackman started out the evening with a bang. He highlighted the biggest films of the year in song and dance. While it was disconcerting for some hardcore Marvel fans to see Wolverine tap dancing, the crowd was in stitches from the Tony Award winners’ entertainment.
Each movie genre had a video clip review of the films released in the past year. The romance category was cute with its’ snippets of robot love from the Best Animated Feature “WALL-E, ” among other non-animated features. However, when James Franco and Seth Rogan reprised their roles of Saul Silver and Dale Denton in “Pineapple Express” to review 2008’s comedy films, the Kodak Theater was in an uproar. True comic genius came through the marijuana haze when Rogan contemplated making bongs from Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski’s Oscars.
As expected, Heath Ledger won Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.” His family flew in from Australia and accepted the award on his behalf. Controversy arose after the Oscars, however, about who would keep the statue.
Kate Winslet received her Oscar for Best Actress as Hanna Schmitz in “The Reader.” After being nominated for and losing 5 times, Winslet was shocked at finally winning especially when esteemed actress Meryl Streep was in the same category.
Sean Penn took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk in “Milk.” In true “Sean Penn fashion,” Penn spent more time speaking his mind about politics than thanking people in his acceptance speech. However, he politely and tactfully explained his views against Proposition 8 and expressed his hope for a more tolerant future.
“Slumdog Millionaire” was an unstoppable fire on Oscar night, scooping up 8 wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Danny Boyle. Every win seemed unexpected and a gift to the cast and crew of the movie that was almost never made. It is undeniable that those involved with “Slumdog Millionaire” left the Academy Awards feeling like a million bucks.
For a list of winners and more information about all of this year’s films, visit www.oscar.com
