Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters— Director/Producer Kathryn Bigelow and Screenwriter/Producer Mark Boal of “The Hurt Locker”
She did it! Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the best director Oscar at last night’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood. Bigelow’s name was announced by Superstar Entertainer/Filmmaker Barbra Streisand, who was overlooked as a contender for the award back when she directed “Yentl” (1983), “The Prince of Tides” (1991), and “The Mirror Has Two Faces” (1996).
Bigelow’s best director Oscar was one of six wins for “The Hurt Locker,” which included best original screenplay, picked up by screenwriter/producer Mark Boal, and best picture.
The winners in the other top categories were Sandra Bullock, best actress for her performance in “The Blind Side,” Mo’Nique best supporting actress for her role in “Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” best actor trophy went to Jeff Bridges for his performance in “Crazy Heart,” and best supporting actor award to Christoph Waltz for his role in “Inglourious Basterds.”
A complete list of the winners on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences website.
Good coverage of the Oscars on Reuters, CNN, The Hollywood Reporter, and a ton of photos and video moments from the telecast over on oscars.org
UPDATED: Latest figures from the rating giant Nielsen shows 41.3 million people watched Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony. That’s the best rating for the Oscars since 2005. Last year, 35.3 million tuned into the Academy Awards to see “Slumdog Millionaire” win best picture.