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Hollywood's biggest night

Staff Reporter | Posted February 23, 2009 1:47 AM

Hollywood celebrated its biggest night of the year on Sunday with the 81st annual Academy Awards, but a Bollywood-style film about India took the top honors at the ceremony.

"Slumdog Millionaire," the rags-to-riches tale of a young Indian boy who competes on a popular television game show, stole Hollywood's heart this year, earning 8 Oscars Sunday night, including the coveted best picture and best director honors.

Sean Penn won the Oscar for best actor for his role as Harvey Milk in the eponymously titled "Milk," and Kate Winslet won a much anticipated award for best actress for her role in "The Reader."

Viola Davis ("Doubt") and Taraji P. Henson ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") were nominated in the best supporting actress category, but the two women lost to Penelope Cruz for her performance in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

The night featured several new elements, including a joint presentation of the best acting awards, which enabled previous winners to salute current nominees before the winner was announced. Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg and Cuba Gooding Jr. all appeared on stage to present acting awards to their successors.

Gooding used part of his tribute time to question Robert Downey Jr.'s risky decision to play a blackface role in the movie "Tropic Thunder."

The musical performances included a show tune melody performed by Beyonce and host Hugh Jackman, an Oscar-nominated original song performed by John Legend, and a tribute song to those who passed away in the past year, which was sung by Queen Latifah.

Articles written by a Staff Reporter are unsigned reports from a member of the staff.

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Comments 5

JsuGradnMiami
2009-02-23 09:24:04

I wish there was a picture of Tarija Henson !!!!

Ostend Street
2009-02-23 10:16:44

Does anyone know if Eartha Kitt was shown or mentioned in the line up of stars who passed away during the year since she made her transition on December 25, 2008? I was not sure if I missed her picture or if her picture was even shown.

pmdawn
2009-02-23 17:01:51

"a Bollywood film from India's burgeoning film industry took the top honors at the ceremony" - it's NOT a Bollywood produced film.

Cecil Jones
2009-02-23 21:40:24

What happens to comment "pending" review by the website host? Is this censorship here? Why are some held and others allowed? Are the Oscars off limits? It was like watching paint dry. I did like the review of those lost, but Jerry Lewis that's pushing it.

KWALITEE
2009-02-24 00:57:35

NO....Eartha Kitt was not featured in the tribute to those who passed away. I was really curious about this oversight myself.

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