The Oscars 2011: Winners

There weren't too many surprises last night at the 83rd Academy Awards. As you can see below, The King’s Speech was the talk of the night with a few little shocks here and there. 

For me the BAFTAs were much more exciting - partly due to the fact I could actually watch them due to being in Britain! 

It was a disappointing night for many films nominated, including True Grit, The Kids Are All Right, Winter’s Bone and 127 Hours, who altogether picked up no awards. Between them they notched up 10 nominations - making them the biggest Oscar losers since the 1985 Oscars.

Let’s look back at the night’s winners and highlights...

BEST PICTURE

The King’s Speech

This was only the third year that there have been 10 nominations and this year there were more contenders than ever. 

For me it was a battle between The Social Network and The King’s Speech as both have done extremely well over the past year. Considering the overwhelming success The King’s Speech has had in America in the past few weeks it was no surprise that it was the one that won. 

It would have been nice to see The Social Network get more recognition, particularly by the Academy. What with it being an American film I thought perhaps they’d pick it over a British one. However I can't complain as being British I’m very proud of The King’s Speech’s success!

BEST ACTOR

Colin Firth - The King’s Speech

Colin Firth was always going to win this. 

No debate about it. 

BEST ACTRESS

Natalie Portman - Black Swan

Natalie Portman worked extremely hard at this role, so she thoroughly deserved it. And she was great at it too.

BEST DIRECTOR

Tom Hooper - The King’s Speech

Wow, there was a lot of competition this year with every single nominated film being outstanding. Many felt it was David Fincher’s year, but Tom Hooper managed to win in the end and gave a nice little acceptance speech too. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Christian Bale - The Fighter

On all accounts brilliant and stole the limelight from the lead Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter. Only Geoffrey Rush or Mark Ruffalo had a chance to beat him. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Melissa Leo - The Fighter

The Fighter had the highest chance here - with both Melissa Leo and Amy Adams up against each other. 

It would have been great to have seen either Hailee Steinfield or Jacki Weaver win, Hailee because she basically carried True Grit at only 14 and Jacki as critics I respect and admire have all remarked at how wonderful she is in Animal Kingdom.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

David Seidler - The King’s Speech

Regular readers will know my feelings about Inception. I marvel at how little it has been awarded, compared with how popular and well loved it is by the public. 

I thought it had the best shot at taking on the mighty King’s Speech as it is so original and intricately clever - one of the best screenplays of the decade. 

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Aaron Sorkin - The Social Network

By far the most deserved winner here. The writing was sharp and slick and stays with you for months after. The script was one of the main reasons it has stayed in the public conscious for so long now. 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Inception

As it didn’t win Best Director this is second best. You can’t say Inception isn’t astonishing cinema.

BEST ANIMATION

Toy Story 3

For many the film of the year - I can’t argue with that.

BEST FILM EDITING

The Social Network

The slickness of the film completely owes itself to the editing so it's very good to see it awarded. 

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Inception

Absolutely stunning - the definite winner here. 

BEST SOUND MIXING/EDITING

Inception

Both of the big sound awards were won by Inception. The carefully crafted dream layers were seamlessly brought across through the smoothness of the sound that was created. Well deserved. 

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

Toy Story 3 - We Belong Together by Randy Newman

This one has me and many others puzzled. I think the Academy are trying to make up for not awarding ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ - which will always be the Toy Story song. Can’t say I even remember the tune to 'We Belong Together.

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

The Social Network - Trent Atticus Ross

This award really shocked me. I thought for sure the amazing Hans Zimmer had it in the bag. I’ve had the Inception soundtrack on repeat for months and it never fails to choke me. Quite disappointed but sure The Social Network was worthy also.

So that’s it for another year!

Do you agree with the results? Who do you think missed out?