Oscars Winners List and Review

The 81st Annual Academy Awards are officially over, and it turned out to be quiet an enjoyable ceremony - surprisingly so despite it also being the most predictable one in years.

The one surprise came in the form of host Hugh Jackman who (at least, in my opinion) proved to be one Helluva host with his humor and multiple musical performances. Although the ratings will still probably be down, I'd be surprised if he wasn't asked back for next year's ceremony.

As expected, Slumdog Millionaire dominated with eight wins including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" for Danny Boyle.

What was considered the "Surest Thing" of the evening indeed took place with the late Heath Ledger winning a posthumous Oscar in the "Best Supporting Actor" category for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight with his family accepting in his place.

After multiple times going home empty-handed, Kate Winslet finally took home the "Best Actress" Oscar for The Reader despite the overall mixed reception of the film. No doubt, it was a "Career" win more than anything else.

Sean Penn triumphed in the "Best Actor" race over Comeback King Mickey Rourke and Penelope Cruz nabbed the "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Here are the list of winners:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Director: Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire

Best Actor: Sean Penn - Milk

Best Actress: Kate Winslet - The Reader

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Animated Film: Wall-E

Best Foreign Language Film: Departures

Best Documentary Film: Man On Wire

Best Documentary Short-Film: Smile Pinki

Best Original Screenplay: Milk

Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Costume Design: The Duchess

Best Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Score: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Song: "Jai Ho" - Slumdog Millionaire

Best Live-Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)

Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button