Oscars '09 - A Précis

Hugh 'Wolverine' Jackman hosts the gala event, which this year forgoes its traditional (ceremonial) presentation in favor of a more 'refreshing and surprising' format. It works. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE's Cinderella odyssey comes to fruition as it reigns over the field with 8 Oscar wins – the most since 2003 when LOTR3 leveled the competition with a joint-record 11. Sean Penn pins odds-on pick Mickey Rourke for the Best Actor title, Best Actress conferee Kate Winslet keeps her sensibility in check and speaks with sense, the late Heath Ledger expectedly takes the posthumous award for Best Supporting Male, Penélope Cruz as Best Supporting Female looks cute and Meryl Streep in the front row looks just plain glamorous.