Oscars offered few surprises

The Academy Awards, renowned worldwide as the premier cinematic awards ceremony, had its 80th birthday Sunday on ABC. Veteran satirist Jon Stewart hosted the event, and despite tumult and confusion over the recent writers’ strike, the show went on as smoothly as ever.

The 24 individual awards were divided among a diverse group of films, and no single film necessarily distinguished itself as the evening’s champion. The most awards given to a single film were the four that were bestowed upon the Coen Brothers’ gritty masterpiece “No Country for Old Men.”

The film won Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director and the coveted Best Picture trophy. Surprisingly, the summer blockbuster “The Bourne Ultimatum” was the second-highest recipient, taking three Oscars for Film Editing, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing.

Oscar night truly belonged to the Coens. The duo took home three Oscars each, after previously winning only one in their career — Best Original Screenplay for “Fargo.” In their acceptance speeches, Joel Coen did most of the talking, while younger Ethan Coen had little more to say than “Thanks.” Joel Coen spoke earnestly to all who had aided them in the making of the picture.

“We’re really thrilled to have received it, and we’re very thankful to all of you out there for letting us continue to play in our corner of the sandbox,” he said.

Other nominees for Best Picture included “Atonement,” “Juno,” “Michael Clayton” and “There Will Be Blood.” All nominees won in at least one category with “There Will Be Blood” garnering two Oscars for Best Actor and Best Cinematography. “Juno” scribe Diablo Cody earned Best Original Screenplay honors, Tilda Swinton from “Michael Clayton” won Best Supporting Actress and “Atonement” took Best Original Score.

The favorite for Best Actor won, with Daniel Day-Lewis recognized for his transformative performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood.” The method actor spent nearly three years preparing for the role of Daniel Plainview, a corrupt, merciless oil prospector.

In addition, there was nothing astonishing in Javier Bardem’s victory as Best Supporting Actor for the Coens’ film. Bardem’s portrayal of Anton Chigurh, the inhuman, psychopathic serial killer was a favorite among critics and mainstream audiences alike. After professing gratitude toward his directors, the Spanish actor ended his speech by addressing his mother in his native language. Later on, Stewart jokingly translated what Bardem had said, “I believe he told his mother where the library is.”

Although the winners of the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories were not surprising, the recipients of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress were surprises. The favorite for Best Supporting Actress had largely been Cate Blanchett for her portrayal of Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There.” Blanchett was also nominated for her lead role in “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” but lost in both categories.

To her own amazement, dark horse candidate Tilda Swinton snagged the supporting distinction for “Michael Clayton.” In the lead category, Ellen Page, Hollywood newcomer and star of “Juno,” was a crowd favorite. Julie Christie was considered just as likely a selection with her performance in “Away from Her.” Instead, the Academy awarded Marion Cotillard for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in French film “La Vie En Rose.”

After all five songs were performed, “Falling Slowly” took the Oscar for Best Original Song. The song, performed by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, came from the Irish film, “Once.”

In addition to awards given to films of 2007, this year’s Honorary Oscar was devoted to Robert Boyle. At nearly 100 years old, Boyle is most commonly known as an art director, having worked on such film classics as “In Cold Blood” and “North by Northwest.”

As far as the actual show went, this Oscar night fit the mold of years past. There was the usual orchestral cue for long-winded speeches to abruptly end, the ostentatious wardrobe and the many montages. Likewise, the Oscars was a time to showcase the year in film, a year critics have raved about.