LD OSCARS 2

'Avatar', which was pitted against 'The Hurt Locker' with
nine nominations, clinched three trophies in technical
categories -- visual effects, cinematography and art
direction.
Unlike last year, when Mumbai-based potboiler 'Slumdog
Millionaire' walked away with eight Oscars, including trophies
for A R Rahman and Resul Pukutty, it was a blank for India
this time.
'Kavi', a short Hindi film about modern day slavery in
India, lost out to Danish film 'The New Tenants' in the Short
Film (Live Action) category.
Bullock, 45, edged past veteran actresses Meryl Streep
(Julie & Julia), Dame Helen Mirren (The Last Station) and
newcomers Carey Mulligan (An Education) and Gabourey Sidibe
(Precious) to bag her first Oscar.
The actress was honoured for her real-life inspired role
of a Southern homemaker Leigh Anne Tuohy in 'The Blind Side',
who becomes the foster mother of a troubled African-American
teenager and changes his life.
"Did I really earn this, or did I just wear you all
down?" joked the actress, popularly known as 'American
Sweetheart' for her romantic comedies like 'Miss
Congeniality', 'Speed' and 'The Proposal'.
Bridges, 60, won the Best Actor award for his portrayal
of alcoholic country singer Bad Blake in 'Crazy Heart'. The
actor, who has been nominated four times in the past, thanked
his "mom and dad" for the trophy.
"I would like to thank my mom and dad for this. I
remember my mom taking me to the showbiz parties and dad
giving me acting lessons. I am an extension of them and this
award is an honour to them," said Bridges. (More) PTI