Oscar Winners 2012: From First Time Wins to Last Time Appearances

(Photo: Reuters/Mike Blake)
(L-R) Producer Thomas Langmann, Jean Dujardin, director Michel Hazanavicius, James Cromwell, Berenice Bejo, Penelope Ann Miller, Missy Pyle and the dog Uggie after winning best picture for "The Artist" backstage at the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 26, 2012.

By Brittney R. Villalva , Christian Post Reporter

February 27, 2012|10:10 am

The 2012 Academy Awards aired Sunday night and encompassed a night of first times, last times, and hopeful returns.

The star of the night was "The Artist" winning the coveted award of "Best Picture." The film also won Jean Dujardin "Best Actor" and Michel Hazanavicius "Best Director."

"I am the happiest director in the world right now, thank you for that," Hazanavicius said in his speech. The previously unknown director managed to outshine both Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese who were also vying for the award.

Hazanavicius was not the only first time winner. Octavia Spencer broke down in tears as she accepted her first Oscar for "Supporting Actress" for her role in "The Help." She thanked Steven Spielberg for "changing my life."

If some celebrities took home their first Oscar, Meryl Streep announced that she expected this Oscar win to be her last. The star took home the award of "Best Actress" for her role in "Iron Lady."

"When they called my name," Streep said in her speech. "I had the feeling I could hear half of America going, 'oh, no. Come on.'" She took a pause, smiled and then added "Oh well." Colin Firth gave Streep the award, calling her "unreasonably good." However the actress still kept her humility. "I really understand that I'll never be up here again," she commented. "I look out there and I see my life before my eyes," she added thanking the audience for what she called an "unbelievable career."

"Best Actor" went to Jean Dujardin for his role in "The Artist" and Christopher Plummer took home "Best Supporting Actor."

The award for "Best Animated Film" went to "Rango" and "A Separation" from Iran took home best Foreign Film.

"Best Adapted Screenplay" went to "The Descendants" and "Best Original Screenplay" went to "Midnight in Paris."

"Hugo" which was directed by Martin Scorsese took home five Oscars winning Best Art Direction, Cinematography, Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing.

"Saving Face" took home the Documentary Short category and "Undefeated" won the Documentary category.