We knew it was coming but still, it was pretty cool to have his family accept it on stage. Ledger’s final performance may have been his best and it certainly was deserving of the Oscar.

And I have to say, I like tonight’s new way of announcing the supporting actor/actress nominees. Each former winner has convincingly heartfelt things to say to each of the nominees. I especially liked the pairing of Christopher Walken with Michael Shannon of Revolutionary Road. (If you’ve seen RR, you know how appropriate that is.)

And for my money the best film among ALL the Oscar-nominated films, MAN ON WIRE, wins for BEST DOCUMENTARY. Congrats, James Marsh.(Now go see his other films, starting with THE KING, and WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP.)

Documentary Short goes to a film about cleft palates – SMILE PINKI. (I think it’s set in India, too.)