In pictures: The 2012 Oscars

SILENT film ‘The Artist’ and Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’ were the big winners at the 84th Academy Awards held last night in Los Angeles, picking up five Oscars apiece, including ‘Best Picture,’ ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Best Cinematography’ between them.

Jean Dujardin who beat off competition from Brad Pitt and George Clooney to win ‘Best Actor’, was a virtual unknown outwith his native France until recently, professing his gratitude in his acceptance speech, saying: “Oh, thank you. Oui. I love your country!”

Director Michel Hazanavicius, who picked up the award for ‘Best Picture’ for his film, added: “I am the happiest director in the world.” After thanking the cast, including Uggie the dog, Hazanavicius quipped: “I also want to thank the financier, the crazy person who put money in the movie.”

French president Nicolas Sarkozy tweeted his congratulations, saying: “My warmest congratulations to Jean Dujardin, a talented actor who is the pride of French cinema.’

‘The Artist’ is the first silent film since the Academy Awards’ inaugural ceremony to have won any Oscars, let alone five.

Meryl Streep won ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady,’ her first win in 29 years. Streep picked up her third Oscar, despite having been nominated - and lost out - on 13 separate occasions since her award for her role in the film ‘Sophie’s Choice.’

‘The Iron Lady’ picked up a second award for ‘Makeup,’ whilst musician Bret McKenzie won an Oscar for his song ‘Man or Muppet’ from ‘The Muppets.’

There were the now customary tears from actress Octavia Spencer, as she gave her acceptance speech after winning ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her part in the film ‘The Help,’ whilst comedian Sacha Baron Cohen made an eye-opening entrance, turning up in the guise of his character ‘General Aladeen,’ a fictional dictator. Cohen sparked controversy by emptying the contents of an mock crematory urn, emblazoned with a picture of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, over Ryan Seacrest.

Woody Allen’s ‘Midnight in Paris’ won the Oscar for ‘Original Screenplay’ whilst ‘Rango’ won the ‘Animated Feature Film’ award.

Actor Christopher Plummer became the oldest person in history to pick up the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his role in the film ‘Beginners.’ Making his acceptance speech during the 84th Academy Awards, the 82-year-old Plummer looked at his Oscar statue, commenting: “You’re only two years older than me, darling”.

Full list of Oscar Winners:

1. Best Picture: “The Artist.”

2. Actor: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist.”

3. Actress: Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady.”

4. Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners.”

5. Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, “The Help.”

6. Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist.”

7. Foreign Language Film: “A Separation,” Iran.

8. Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, “The Descendants.”

9. Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris.”

10. Animated Feature Film: “Rango.”

11. Art Direction: “Hugo.”

12. Cinematography: “Hugo.”

13. Sound Mixing: “Hugo.”

14. Sound Editing: “Hugo.”

15. Original Score: “The Artist.”

16. Original Song: “Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets.”

17. Costume Design: “The Artist.”

18. Documentary Feature: “Undefeated.”

19. Documentary Short: “Saving Face.”

20. Film Editing: “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”

21. Makeup: “The Iron Lady.”

22. Animated Short Film: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.”

23. Live Action Short Film: “The Shore.”

24. Visual Effects: “Hugo.”