Meryl Streep, The Artist, and Hugo Win Big – and More Oscars Highlights!

Billy Crystal started his ninth stint as the host of the Oscars with a montage of some of the year’s best movies, which included cameos from Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, and more. He kicked things off with a well-timed joke about the Oscars during what is a tough time for some. Billy said, “Nothing can take the sting out of the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with golden statues.” It was a huge evening for Hugo. The Martin Scorsese picture ended up taking home statues for wins in cinematography, art direction, sound editing, and sound mixing. The Artist, as many predicted, also had numerous wins with costume design and art direction. Best director went to Michel Hazanavicius, and it was later crowned best picture. Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. took the stage to hilariously present best documentary. Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz were another memorable duo, and they even incorporated a bit of choreography. The ladies of Bridesmaids reconvened as well to present a trio of awards, with Maya Rudolph and Kristin Wiig doing a silly, sort-of-sexual bit about the pros and cons of “short” films. A tearful Octavia Spencer thanked her family after winning a best supporting actress honor for The Help. Octavia’s costar Jessica Chastain, was also up for the honor. Jessica, though, kissed Octavia on the lips once the winner was read, saying, “I love you.” Eighty-two-year-old Christopher Plummer won the corresponding honor for Beginners. He joked about winning during the 84th annual Oscars, saying, “You’re only two years older than me, darling! Where have you been all my life?” Meryl Streep took home a best actress Oscar for The Iron Lady, in one of the evening’s biggest surprises! She accepted the honor in a gold Lanvin gown, breaking a 30-year streak of not winning despite multiple nominations. Meryl worried that half of America was tired of seeing her win, and then sweetly went on to thank her husband Don Gummer. On the guy side, France’s Jean Dujardin won best actor for The Artist. He said to the crowd, “I love your country!” It was an exciting night in LA! Make sure to check out the full list of Oscars winners. View Slideshow ›