Award Shows February 22, 2009
Eight Oscars Go to... 'Slumdog'!
From the slums of Mumbai to the hills of Hollywood -- "Slumdog Millionaire" went from almost being released straight to DVD -- to winning eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director Danny Boyle.
"We've been on an extraordinary journey," producer Christian Colson said when accepting the film's award. Colson, onstage with many involved in creating "Slumdog," thanked the people who believed in the sleeper flick that became an international sensation.
Six-time Oscar nominee Kate Winslet took home the Best Actress statuette for her work in the WWII epic, "The Reader." The actress, shaking with emotion, was humble and humorous in her acceptance speech. "I'd be lying if I said I hadn't made a version of this speech when I was eight years old speaking into the bathroom mirror, holding a shampoo bottle," Winslet joked, before thanking her family, co-workers and fellow nominees.
"Milk" star Sean Penn took home the Best Actor award for his portrayal of gay politician and activist Harvey Milk. "I know how hard I make it to appreciate me" Penn said while accepting his Oscar, laughing. Sean's speech turned serious when he expressed gratitude for his win -- and drove home the message of equality that "Milk" represented, saying, "We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
