28 February 2011 Last updated at 05:57

In pictures: Oscars 2011

Anne Hathaway and James Franco presented this year's Academy Awards. Franco, who was nominated for 127 Hours, tweeted throughout the ceremony and Hathaway performed. Franco gamely sported a fetching Marilyn Monroe style frock during one segment.

The Devil Wears Prada actress had several changes of clothes during the ceremony.

On accepting best supporting actress for The Fighter, Melissa Leo bowed down to veteran actor Kirk Douglas, who presented her with the prize. During her acceptance speech, Leo accidentally swore, a first in Oscar's 83-year history.

Christian Bale, beat John Hawkes, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo and Geoffrey Rush to the title of best supporting actor for his role as a washed up boxer in The Fighter. It was his first nomination for an Academy Award.

On hearing the news he had scooped the best adapted screenplay Oscar for The Social Network, writer Aaron Sorkin hugged actor and executive producer Kevin Spacey.

Make-up maestro Rick Baker (left) and Dave Elsey scooped the prize for best achievement in make-up for The Wolfman, which starred Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro. It is Baker's seventh Academy Award.

Director Susanne Bier's In A Better World was named the winner of best foreign language film. Dame Helen Mirren and Russell Brand, who have been working together in the remake of 80s' comedy Arthur, presented the award.

Colleen Atwood (left) and Cate Blanchett

Alice In Wonderland costume designer Colleen Atwood took home her third Oscar after successes in 2006 for Memoirs of a Geisha and 2003 for Chicago. She has been nominated practically every year since 1999.

Luke Matheny's God Of Love won the Oscar for best live action short film. The director drew one of the biggest laughs of the night as he joked: "I should have got a haircut."

(From left to right) Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb

Paul Franklin (left) has been keeping a diary for the BBC News website about this experience as an Oscar nominee. He was named winner of best visual effects for Inception, along with Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb.

Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow showed off her singing ability by performing Coming Home, which she sang in the film Country Strong. The track was nominated for best original song, which went to songwriter Randy Newman for We Belong Together from Toy Story 3.

(From left to right) Hilary Swank, Kathryn Bigelow and Tom Hooper

Briton Tom Hooper went home with one of the top prizes of the evening, which was best director for The King's Speech. He started his career working on BBC children's drama Byker Grove.

British actor Colin Firth continued The King's Speech's winning streak as he picked up the Academy Award for best actor. The star, who played King George VI, had been the front runner for the prize which he emotionally accepted.

A pregnant Natalie Portman paid an emotional tribute to her parents and fiance Benjamin Millepied, when she was presented with the best actress Oscar for Darren Aronofsky's dark thriller Black Swan.

British movie The King's Speech won four awards at the ceremony, including best film, best director, best actor and best original screenplay. It was matched by Inception, directed by British filmmaker Christopher Nolan, which scooped four technical awards.

(From left to right) Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth

Winners usually attend some of the glitzy aftershow parties, which are held in their honour following the ceremony. Some of the more famous bashes include Elton John's Aids Foundation Academy Award Party and magazine Vanity Fair's party.

Entertainment & Arts

In pictures: Oscars 2011

Share this page

Related Stories

Related Internet links

Services

About BBC News