Oscar wrap-up

Another Oscars telecast has come and gone. High points included Ben Stiller as an aloof, contrary and disheveled Joaquin Phoenix, the James Franco/Seth Rogen bit, and, of course, Sean Penn calling the Academy a “bunch of commie, liberal, homo-loving sons of guns” during his Best Actor acceptance speech. (Thank goodness he didn’t say bitch there, right? That would’ve been pushing it.) Oh! How could I forget the acceptance speech for Best Animated Short, where the Japanese director of “La maison en petits cubes” actually said, “Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto!” I kid you not. Low points included Hugh Jackman’s declaration that “Musicals are back!” and Sophia Loren’s rise from the dead. Slumdog Millionaire kicked ass and took names, to no one’s surprise. Here’s a recap of the top categories next to the predictions from last week’s CL reader’s poll. P.S. Thanks to all who participated in last night’s live-blog.

Actor in a supporting role: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight (CL readers’ prediction: Heath Ledger)

Actress in a supporting role: Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (CL readers’ prediction: Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler)

Actor in a leading role: Sean Penn for Milk (CL readers’ prediction: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler)

Actress in a leading role: Kate Winslet for The Reader (CL readers’ prediction: Kate Winslet)

Directing: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire (CL readers’ prediction: Danny Boyle)

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire (CL readers’ prediction: Slumdog Millionaire)

Check out Oscar.com for the complete list.

(Photo by Ishika Mohan)