The 2012 Academy Awards were handed out tonight in Hollywood. The French silent film, “The Artist,” was the night’s big winner with 5 awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor Jean Dujardin and Best Director Michel Hazavanicius. “Hugo” won a total of 5 awards as well, including Best Cinematography.
Billy Crystal returned as host of the show for the 9th time and song his signature Oscar song saluting the years best pictures. Highlights of the night included a moving memorial to Hollywood’s gone but not forgotten that included a song by Esperanza Spalding. Performers Cirque du Soleil gave a exclusive one time only in salute to Hollywood.
The Best Actress Oscar went to Meryl Streep for her work as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.” Streep is the most celebrated actor in Hollywood with a total of 17 nominations and 3 wins.
Best Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer gave what was considered the night’s most moving acceptance speech. The actress beat out her “Help” co-star Jessica Chastain, and also “The Artist” star Bérénice Bejo, “Bridesmaids” actress Melissa McCarthy and “Albert Nobbs” actress Janet McTeer.
“Thank you, Academy, for putting me with the hottest guy in the room,” she said referring to her Oscar. She thanked her friends and families. “I have to thank my families. My family in Alabama, the state of Alabama. My L.A. family watching at Steven’s. My ‘Help’ family. I share this with everybody. Thank you [producer] Steven Spielberg for changing my life.”
Here are the complete list of winners:
Oscars 2012 winners: Complete Winners list (FULL LIST):
Best Cinematography
Robert Richardson, Hugo
Best Art Direction
Hugo
Best Costume Design
The Artist
Best Make-Up
The Iron Lady
Best Foreign Language Film
A Separation
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Octavia Spencer, The Help
Best Film Editing
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Best Sound Editing
Hugo
Best Sound Mixing
Hugo
Best Documentary Feature
Undefeated
Best Animated Film
Rango
Best Visual Effects
Hugo
Best actor in a supporting role
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Best original score
Ludovic Bource, The Artist
Best song
Man or Muppet, The Muppets
Best adapted screenplay
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash, The Descendants
Best original screenplay
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
Best live action short
The Shore
Best documentary short
Saving Face
Best animated short
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore
Best director
Michel Hazavanicius, The Artist
Best actor in a leading role
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Best actress in a leading role
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Best picture
The Artist
