By Andrea Banda
A&E Editor
The glamour and jazz of the 75th Annual Academy Awards hit television screens across the globe Sunday night to announce the best of the best in Hollywood pictures.
While the fans’ favorite part of the Oscars, the red carpet entourage, was toned down this year because of the war with Iraq, it still captured the eyes of fashion gurus. As celebrities and their dates arrived at the Kodak Theatre, critics watched anxiously to give props or flops to dresses, jewelry and hairstyles.
The more somber tone expected at this year’s Oscars may not have achieved its intended result, with words of patriotism and a mix of criticism. While most of the acceptance speeches promoted peace and remembrance of the troops overseas, some artists like “Bowling for Columbine” director Michael Moore chose to use their turn in the limelight to attack the government. Host Steve Martin even used the war as a topic for some of his jokes, which livened up the tone after mixed reactions from some of the acceptance speeches.
The highly favored movie “Chicago,” with its 13 Oscar nominations, took home six, which allowed other films to also be recognized for their talent. Catherine Zeta-Jones won the first Oscar of the night for her supporting actress role in the film. It was her first Academy Award. Chris Cooper received the award for Best Supporting actor for his performance in “Adaptation.”
Best Picture, the most coveted of all Academy Awards (and the most anticipated of the evening), also went to “Chicago.” The hit film also won awards in the categories of art direction, costume design, sound and film editing.
The leading lady and gent of the evening were among those who chose to recognize peace during their acceptance speeches. Adrien Brody of “The Pianist” even stopped the orchestra from playing when his time had ended.
“And you know my experiences of making this film made me very aware of the sadness and the dehumanization of people at times of war,” Brody said. “And the repercussions of war. And whatever you believe in, if it’s God or Allah, may he watch over you and let’s pray for a peaceful and swift resolution.”
Nicole Kidman’s Best Actress award for “The Hours” was the only honor for the film and also her first Academy Award. During her teary-eyed speech she thanked a number of people, including her mother and daughter, but also took a moment to recognize the current military conflict.
“Why do you come to the Academy Awards when the world is in such turmoil?” she said. “Because art is important. And because you believe in what you do. And you want to honor that. And it is a tradition that needs to be upheld.”
Roman Polanski of “The Pianist” took home the Oscar statuette for Best Director, giving the film a total of three awards. The film also won Best Adapted Screenplay.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” took home two of its six nominations for visual effects and sound editing. “Frida” won for best musical score and makeup.
“Road to Perdition” received an award for only one of its five nominations — cinematography.
While it was nominated for 10 awards, the cast and crew of “Gangs of New York” walked away empty handed.
Pedro Almodovar won Best Original Screenplay for his film “Talk to Her.”
The Academy also chose to give the Honorary Award to Peter O’Toole for his lifetime achievement as an actor.
Best Song of the evening went to Eminem for “Lose Yourself” of “8 Mile.” He was not present at the awards, but friend Luis Resto accepted on his behalf.
75th Acadamy Awards Winners
Best Picture
Chicago
Best Actor
Adrien Brody – The Pianist
Best Actress
