The 84th annual Academy Awards celebration was taken over by the silent film “The Artist,” which is a French filmmaker’s take on 20th century silent films in America. “The Artist” took home five Oscars including best picture, best director, and best actor Jean Dujardin, who won over movie superstars George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Accepting his award, Dujardin said, “I love this country.” In an expected win by movie critics, Octavia Spencer took home an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role as Minny Jackson in “The Help.” It was her first nomination and her first Oscar, which she received with joyful tears. The award for best supporting actor went to Christopher Plummer for his role as Hal Fields in “Beginners.” He is the oldest person, at 82, to receive an Oscar.
In what critics called one of the biggest tossups of the night, Meryl Streep won the Oscar for best actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” over Viola Davis for her role as Aibileen Clark in “The Help.” After winning the Oscar, Streep said, “When they called my name I had this feeling that I could hear half of America going ‘Oh, no. Why her, again?’ But, whatever.” Streep has been nominated for an Oscar 17 times and this was her third win.
