The big two Oscars eluded the science fiction film Avatar despite its status as the biggest-grossing film in history, but it did win three prestigious technical awards, “Best Cinematography,” “Best Special Effects,” and “Best Art Direction.”  

As expected Pixar’s Up won “Best Animated Feature,” but the “Best Score” Oscar for Michael Giacchino’s lilting music for the Pixar film was a bit of a surprise.

Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker dominated the 2009 Academy Awards winning six major awards including “Best Picture,” “Best Original Screenplay,” and “Best Director,” marking the first time the award was ever won by a woman.  The Hurt Locker, which earned less than $15 million at the box office, is the lowest-grossing film to win “Best Picture” in the history of the Oscars.  Ironically the Academy had expanded the number of films that could gain nominations for Best Picture from 5 to 10 this year in a move that was designed to include a larger number of popular films in the “Best Picture” contest. 

Jeff Bridges (“Best Actor”) and Christoph Waltz (“Best Supporting Actor”) won as most experts had predicted as did Mo’Nique, who won “Best Supporting Actress” and wore a gardenia in her hair to honor Hattie McDaniel, the first black actor to win an Oscar. Geoffrey Fletcher also won “Best Adapted Screenplay” for Precious.

Sandra Bullock won “Best Actress” for her role in The Blind Side, which has been a huge hit.  The football/family drama is the most popular sports film ever with over $250 million in domestic box office. 

 J.J. Abrams’ popular Star Trek reboot won “Best Makeup.”