Octavia Spencer, The Artist Win Big at Oscars
There were no suprises, but plenty of emotional moments at tonight's Academy Awards.
Soon after Morgan Freeman kicked off the show, The Help star Octavia Spencer nabbed the night's first major award for Best Supporting Actress, which ended up being the only statue the sleeper hit film won out of three nominations. Viola Davis, who was up for Best Actress, lost to Meryl Streep, who took her third Oscar for The Iron Lady. Given her track record, no doubt the two-time nominee will have another chance at bat soon. The Help also lost a tight race for Best Picture to The Artist.
The silent black-and-white film also won Best Actor for Jean Dujardin and Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius, in a near sweep.
Jazz prodigy Esperanza Spalding performed a beautiful rendition of "What a Wonderful World" to the annual In Memoriam segment, which honored filmmakers who passed away in the last year.
James Earl Jones and Oprah Winfrey were among the many Honorary Oscar winners from years past who recieved a standing ovation at tonight's show.
For a complete list of winners, click here.
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