The 84th Annual Oscar Awards pulled in 39.2 million viewers this past Sunday evening for a night of glitz, glam and a look back at the year’s most memorable films.
“Nothing takes the sting out of the economic crisis like millionaires presenting each other with golden statues,” said Billy Crystal, host for the evening’s festivities. Crystal returned as the Oscars host for the ninth in his career. Bringing with him all the whit, humor, and charm that only Crystal could.
Since the first Oscar Awards in 1941, much has changed, “but one thing has not changed,” said celebrated actor Morgan Freeman. “We all are still mesmerized by the magic of the movies.”
The presenters of the much coveted awards included Tom Hanks, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Christian Bale, Tina Fay, Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone, Melissa Leo, Penelope Cruz, Owen Wilson, Will Farrell, Zach Galifianakis, Angelina Jolie, Michael Douglas, Natalie Portman, Colin Firth and Tom Cruise.
Kremit the Frog and Miss Piggy even made a guest appearance to introduce the one time only, never before seen performance by Cirque du Soliel. The dazzling performance of high flung aerobatics and stunning feats of strength was written to portray the feeling of going to the movies. The breathtaking showcase was a treat for all in the audience and all who watched from their television set at home. As Crystal said following the Cirque du Soliel performance with music written by Danny Elfman, “I pulled a ham string just watching that.”
As always this classic awards show gave praise where it was due. The following is a list of the Oscars presented during the awards show:
Achievement in Cinematography
Hugo
Achievement in Art Directing
Hugo
Achievement in Costume Design
The Artist
Achievement in Makeup
The Iron Lady
Best Foreign Language Film
A Separation
Best Supporting Actress
Octavio Spencer – The Help
Achievement in Film Editing
Girl With a Dragon Tattoo
Achievement in Sound Editing
Hugo
Achievement in Sound Mixing
Hugo
Best Documentary
Undefeated
Best Animated Feature Film
Rango
Achievement in Visual Affects
Hugo
Best Supporting Actor
Christopher Plummer-The Beginner
Best Original Score
The Artist
Best Original Song
Man or Muppet
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Descendants
Best Original Screenplay
Midnight in Paris
Best Live Action Short
The Shore
Best Documentary Short Film
Saving Face
Achievement in Directing
The Artist
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Jean Du Jardin-The Artist
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Meryl Streep-The Iron Lady
Best Motion Picture
The Artist
