The Oscars

The 81st Annual Academy Awards

This was one of the best shows that I've seen put on by the Academy. It was very subdued and elegant. Intimate, seems the best way to accurately describe it. While Slumdog Millionare was the night big winner, there was no shortage of glamour on the red carpet. Here are a few of my favorite images and moments of the evening.

Marion Cotillard, last year's winner of Best Actress was stunning. She was joined by Sophia Loren, Shirley MacLaine, Halle Berry, and Nicole Kidman in describing each of this year's nominees in a personal fashion. Kate Winslet took home the Oscar for The Reader.
Angelina Jolie, statuesque as always.
New comer to the red carpet Amanda Seyfried.

I was so happy to see that all the young actors from slumdog were able to attend.

This was by far my favorite moment of the night......

Heath LedgerTHE DARK KNIGHT

Heath Ledger portrays the Joker, a psychopathic criminal mastermind who will stop at nothing in his scheme to outwit and humiliate Batman.

ACCEPTANCE SPEACH

Kim Ledger:

First of all, I have to say this is ever so humbling. Just being amongst such wonderful people, such a wonderful industry. Firstly, I'd like to thank the Academy for recognizing our son's amazing work, Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan in particular, for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character. To Steve Alexander, Heath's mentor, special friend and agent for 10 years. We love you, Steve. This award tonight would've humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, within an industry he so loved. Thank you.

Sally Bell:

Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives. We have been truly overwhelmed by the honor and respect being bestowed upon him with this award. Tonight, we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved.

Kate Ledger:

Heath, we both knew what you had created in the Joker was extraordinarily special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you.

I watch this show every year. It brings me such joy. No matter where my life and career and dreams may lie, this show brings me hope reminds me why I do what I do.