The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers. The formal ceremony at which the awards are presented is one of the most prominent film award ceremonies in the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself was conceived by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio boss Louis B. Mayer.
The 1st Academy Awards ceremony was hold on Thursday, May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood to honour outstanding film achievements of 1927 and 1928. It was hosted by actor Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. deMille.
The 81st Academy Awards honouring the best in film for 2008 was held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood with actor Hugh Jackman hosting the ceremony for the first time. Academy Award-nominated producer Laurence Mark produced with Academy Award-winning writer/director Bill Condon as executive producer.
Slumdog Millionaire won eight awards, the most of the evening, including Best Picture and Best Director (Danny Boyle). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button led the nominations with a total of thirteen while Slumdog Millionaire received ten. The Dark Knight and Milk received eight nominations, and Doubt, The Reader, and Frost/Nixon each received five. The animated film Wall-E, the winner for Best Animated Feature, received six nominations, tying it with Beauty and The Beast for the most nominated animated film in Oscar history.
Awards:
Feature Films:
Award Winner Producer
Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire Christian Colson
Best Foreign Language Film Departures – Japan Yojiro Takita
Best Documentary Feature Man on Wire Simon Chinn
Best Animated Feature Wall-E Andrew Stanton
Directing
Award Winner Film
Best Director Danny Boyle Slumdog Millionaire
Acting
Award Winner Film
Best Actor in a Leading Role Sean Penn Milk
Best Actress in a Leading Role Kate Winslet The Reader
Best Actor in a Supporting Role Heath Ledger The Dark Knight
Best Actress in a Supporting Role Penelope Cruz Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Writing
Award Winner Film
Best Writing – Original Screenplay Dustin Lance Black Milk
Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay Simon Beaufoy Slumdog Millionaire