The 84th Annual Academy Awards: And The Winner Is…

Master of Ceremony, Billy Crystal did an enviable job navigating the often unpredictable but irresistibly entertaining climate that Oscar fans have come to embrace year after year.

It was re-assuring to see Crystal effortlessly assume a role that he has spent years defining and perfecting, making it hard for the brave substitutes to measure up.

The show had a temperate rhythm that barely skipped a beat with awesome interludes including an eye-popping number by Cirque Du Soleil.

Best Picture nominees Hugo and The Artist dominated the night, with The Artist expectedly winning Best Picture, actor Jean Dujardin claiming the Best Actor award, and of course director Michel Hazanavicius snagging the Best Director honor was inevitable. Hugo managed to snatch the coveted Best Cinematography award as well as Production Design and Set Decoration.

In the Acting categories, Octavia Spencer predictably won Best Supporting Actress for her memorable turn in The Help and Christopher Plummer continued his winning streak with his Best Supporting Actor win for Beginners. And Meryl Streep’s win for her courageous portrayal of Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was certainly well-deserved but not without passionate resentment from die-hard fans of Viola Davis.

All in all it was a night that celebrated the very best the industry has to offer while also bidding a fitting adieu to another poignantly recognized award season.