by Jared Allen

Created on: March 10, 2010

It was a big night for The Hurt Locker, a war-epic drama that blew away audiences worldwide, and the 82nd Academy Awards celebration.

Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron’s ex-wife and competitor, took home the Best Director Academy Award, also winning for Best Picture. She seemed shocked over her double-win, dedicating her shiny Oscar to her cast and crew, and also those people who risk their lives everyday serving the United States. The Hurt Locker took home a total of six Academy Awards.

For Best Actor, Jeff Bridges won for his phenomenal performance in Crazy Heart. He plays a washed-up musician, obsessed with alcohol, who turns his life around after finding love. Bridges dedicated his award to his late father, who taught him everything he knows about acting. Bridges was competing against Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner, and George Clooney. Bridges was an early frontrunner among his circle.

For Best Actress, Sandra Bullock won for her heroine role in The Blind Side. No surprise there for BS fans, but a surprise for many Streep and Mirren fans. Barbara Walters’ Oscar Special ended with Bullock, describing that if she did win she would greatly appreciate it, and also give thanks where it was due: her mother. True to her word, she honored her mother and all the mothers in the world who raise their children and children who aren’t even theirs. Sandra Bullock was up against Carey Mulligan, Helen Mirren, Gabourey Sidibe, and Meryl Streep. Sandra Bullock was a frontrunner among her competing circle as well.

Well, as far as villains go, Christoph Waltz was a definite favorite of everyone in the room, taking home the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. His performance was as strong and vital as Javier Bardem’s, making him an instant win before the Academy Award votes were even printed and tallied. He played in Inglourious Basterds as the evil, vindictive (mostly vulnerable) Hans Landa, the “Jew Hunter”. Critics raved that Waltz’s performance will indeed be remembered for decades. Waltz dedicated the cast and crew, and his mentor Tarantino for their support and determination. Waltz was a definite frontrunner among his circle. Also nominated for Best Supporting Actor were Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Matt Damon, and Christopher Plummer.

Speaking of villains, Mary Jones wasn’t as evil as Landa, but more open to being hated in Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Saaphire. Mo’Nique portrayed Mary, Precious’ abusive mother, taking home the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, praising the Academy for their virtue of not being typical, and appreciating the performance. She was, of course, a frontrunner among her circle. She was competing with Penelope Cruz, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

For a complete list of winners, check out the website below.

Keep supporting the Motion Arts, and enjoy the films if you have not seen them yet.

Au revoir!

www.oscar.com

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