11:55AM, Feb 24, 2009
2009's Oscar ceremony, as it unfolded moment-by-moment. From kick-off to WALL-E's win, this is the first part of our two-part blog coverage.
Click here for the final part, including reactions to Kate's win and Slumdog Millionaire's Best Picture triumph.
02:09 - Hurray! WALL-E picks up Best Animated Feature.
We're of the opinion WALL-E matches all the nominees for Best Film. A classic in the making, this eco-friendly sci-fi love story is one of those movies that borders on perfect. Not a bad place to be. Director Andrew Stanton picks up the award.
Japanese director Kunio Kato picks up Best Animated Short for La Maison en Petits Cubes.
01:56 - Steve Martin and Tina Fey present Best Original Screenplay. Martin was a great host in both 2001 and 2003.
Best Original Screenplay goes to Dustin Lance Black for Milk. The one-time Mormon thanks God for Harvey Milk (and his mum, twice), in a moving speech. Milk brought back to life gay icon Harvey Milk, giving Sean Penn one of the best characters of his career.
Best Adapted Screenplay goes to Simon Beaufoy. Our first Oscar of the night goes to The Full Monty writer for his great adaptation of Slumdog Millionaire. In a short and very sweet speech he thanked Danny Boyle, his wife, and co-crew on Slumdog.
"There are some places in the universe you never imagine standing. The Moon, the South Pole and The Miss World Podium... and here." We like our Brits.
01.46 - Penelope Cruz wins Best Supporting Actress. A tremulous Cruz thanked Woody Allen, Spanish director Bigas Lunas, Harvey Weinstein, her parents, and stated "art is our universal language." Purple prose to be sure, but heartfelt and sincere.
It's a different approach to the awards this year. Five previous Best Supporting Actress winners introduce the five nominees. Eva Marie Saint, Angelica Huston, Whoopi Goldberg, Goldie Hawn, and Tilda Swinton emerge to pay honour to the nominees. And last year's winner presents the award for to this year's winner. We're worried that this new approach might make the already famously long awards ceremony even longer. We'll see...
01.32 - In the Sky studio Claudia and Stephanie are joined by "Yes Man" author Danny Wallace and presenter/comedian Marc Dolan.
In the Kodak Theatre Hugh Jackman appears. He looks every inch the movie star, and disgustingly personable.
"Everything is being downsized because of the recession. Next year I'll be starring in a film called New Zealand," quipped the Australia star.
He then shows off his pipes, serenading Kate Winslet, does Frost/Nixon with Anne Hathaway, and lampoons The Dark Knight's lack of big nominations.
It's the broad comedy Oscar numbers are known for, with a distinctly low-fi, cardboard cut out approach fitting for these wallet-threatening times.
But, Hugh the Hoofer sure can belt out a number.
01.26 -It's goodbye to Gok and his fashion expertise. Even at half one in the morning he looks freshly poured. Again, we're not jealous.
01.20 - Stephanie Beacham appears on the couch with Claudia and Gok. With eight minutes to go a quick rundown of previous Brit winners. We have done very well in the past - including the timeless Julie Andrews and Peter Ustinov. If Kate doesn't join this list of dignitaries, will Hollywood burn?
01.14 - What credit crunch? Fern Cotton says tonight's red carpet was a fashion fest, with Miley Cyrus the belle of the ball, and Mickey Rourke the most amazing looking man, in all his bling-a-ling. She talks about the electricity on the red carpet, presumably emanating from the star wattage of all Tinseltown's great and good being out in force. We're a little jealous at not being there.
01.12 - "Kate wears the dress. The dress doesn't wear her." Gok offers fashion wisdom on Ms Winslet.
01.00 - And we're off!
Claudia Winkleman gets off to a fine start with a dig at The Love Guru, one film that won't be bothering the Academy tonight.
She also kindly gives our website a little plug - it's nice to have your own joined up TV company!
Gok Wan offers some learned fashion advice. To be honest this soars above our heads, so we can't tell you who Sarah Jessica Parker was "wearing".
But, early scuttlebutt about the stars shunning the red carpet this year turned out to be the typical guff, with Brangelina, "Our Kate" WInslet, Mickey Rourke, Anne Hathaway and Zac Efron all being charmed by voxpopstar Fern Cotton.
