ROBERT X. GOLPHIN:

What a night! In what is surely one of the best and most classy editions of the Academy Awards, history was made. The night kicked off with a song and dance number by Neil Patrick Harris, whom as usual tickled and charmed the crowd. Hosts, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin also tore the house down with clean, but hilarious banter.

               However, the most memorable moments are probably that of some of the wins. For the first time in its 82 year history, the Oscar for “Best Director” could have gone to an African-American (Lee Daniels for “Precious: Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire”) or a woman (Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker”). But only one could make history, and that 'one' was Bigelow, whose film, reportedly one of the lowest grossing Oscar nominated films ever, also won “Best Picture”. And critics thought her former husband James Cameron (Avatar) was a shoo-in for such gold.

               Bigelow said: “This is the moment of a lifetime.”

               "Precious” still managed to do quite well tonight. After a sweep at the NAACP Image and Independent Spirit Awards in all major categories, tonight it picked up “Best Adapted Screenplay” (Geoffrey Fletcher, the first African-American winner), and the widely expected “Best Supporting Actress” for Mo’Nique. Fletcher gave tear-filled speeches at both the Spirit and Oscars that have truly inspired this artist.

               And Mo’Nique’s Oscar speech says it all: “First, I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics.”

And to top that off, Mo'Nique's royal blue dress and gardenia in her hair was modeled after the outfit that the legendary Hattie McDaniel wore when she accepted her little gold man way back in 1940 for her role as “Mammy” in “Gone With The Wind”. Amazing!

               While several other Oscars were issued, some came as no surprise.  Jeff Bridges' win for “Best Actor” in “Crazy Heart” and Christoph Waltz’s win for “Best Supporting Actor” in “Inglorious Basterds” are fine examples. Their work speaks for itself.

               Lastly, the amazing and severely underrated Sandra Bullock was finally recognized in the biggest of ways becoming the latest “Best Actress” for “The Blind Side”, beating out the 'Susan Lucci' of the Oscars, the legendary Meryl Streep and Hollywood’s “It Girl”, Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious”). Bullock’s emotional acceptance speech even moved her husband, Jesse James, who tried to conceal his tears. Sorry. The eyes don’t lie.

And just to add, Bullock made history by reportedly becoming the first actress to accept “Worst Actress” (All About Steve) at the Razzies and “Best Actress” at the Oscars in the same year. Now that’s quite a feat.

           My only gripe is that the late Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur were not included in the memorial tribute to those we have lost. Word is: there was not enough room. I love the King of Pop just as much as anyone, however, if removing him would have made room for these two, they should have done so. Michael Jackson has received more tributes than anyone in recent time, and we are all aware of his contributions to the arts. As far as I'm concerned, Fawcett and Arthur should be at the top of next year's tribute. They both left strong marks on the silver screen and should not be forgotten. 

    Overall, I am sure that most will agree this was certainly one of the most pleasurable Academy Awards to view. Hat’s off to the producers.

How will they top things next year? Hmmm. Time will tell.

               Congratulations to all of this year's nominees and winners!