It was no surprise
The Artist took the top prize at the 84th Annual Academy Awards Sunday night, winning Best Picture. The film's lead, Jean Dujardin, won Best Actor and the film's helmer, Michel Hazanavicius, Best Director.
The silent, black and white film -- a tribute to old Hollywood -- took home four Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday and had previously won three Golden Globe Awards.
Meanwhile, Meryl Streep won top honors in the ladies' category, beating out favorite Michelle Williams (
My Week With Marilyn) for the Best Actress. Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in
The Iron Lady won much critical praise, and won her a Golden Globe last month as well.
Christopher Plummer became the oldest ever actor to win an Oscar (for Best Supporting Actor), at 82, for his role in
Beginners. Octavia Spencer to the Best Supporting Actress prize for her role in
The Help -- the only category in which the heavily-nominated film won.
Woody Allen's
Midnight in Paris won for Best Screenplay and George Clooney starrer
The Descendents won Best Adapted Screenplay.
Otherwise, Clooney's film came up dry, as much of Hollywood was waiting with anticipation to see if the sex symbol or his sexier pal Brad Pitt (
Tree of Life and
Moneyball) would walk away with any golden statues.
In the end, Brad's partner, Angelina Jolie, stole the show with her high-slit dress and super-sexy exposed leg. On the red carpet and as a presenter, Jolie stuck her leg out with no shame, batted her eyes and gave the fans what they wanted. She gets our prize for Sexiest Guest!
Click through to see the full list of Oscar winners.
