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Best and Worst of Oscar Night

Funny and un-funny moments abound at ceremony

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009 7:12 AM CST

(Newser) – Oscar night was filled with highs and lows, from the predictably inspirational moments when Kate Winslet finally won and Heath Ledger’s family received his posthumous award, to the cheap shot of producers cutting to Angelina Jolie’s face during Jennifer Aniston’s presenter speech. More from the Los Angeles Times. Best:

Sean Penn opened his acceptance speech by greeting “you Commie, homo-loving sons-of-a-gun.”

Host Hugh Jackman acknowledged The Dark Knight snub by singing, “How come comic book movies never get nominated?”
Ben Stiller channeled Joaquin Phoenix, complete with Unabomber beard and sunglasses, and announced, “I want to retire from being a funny guy.”

Worst:

Jessica Biel fought her way in, somehow.
Awkward! Bill Maher didn’t hide his irritation while presenting best documentary, a category in which his film, Religulous, was not recognized.
Producers attempted to acknowledge the films people actually saw last year, but the resulting Pineapple Express bit was boring and pointless.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (2)]

Tina Fey and Steve Martin made Scientology the butt of their jokes, for one of the best moments at the 2009 Oscars, reports the Los Angeles Times. (Getty Images)

Ben Stiller, while presenting a 2009 Academy Award with Natalie Portman, did an Oscar-worthy imitation of Joaquin Phoenix, the Los Angeles Times reports. (Getty Images)

Hugh Jackman's "Dark Knight" reference was appreciated, but the rest of the 2009 Oscars musical medley with Beyonce was forgettable, the Los Angeles Times reports. (Getty Images)

Best Supporting Actress winner Penelope Cruz looked so cute at the 2009 Oscars you could almost forget she dated Tom Cruise, the Los Angeles Times reports. (Getty Images)

It was so nice to be reminded that Phoebe Cates is still alive when she showed up to the 2009 Oscars with hubby Kevin Kline, the Los Angeles Times reports. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

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The 2009 Oscars attempted to acknowledge the rest of the films that came out last year, but the resulting skit was not as funny as it could have been, the Los Angeles Times reports. (RODELICIOUS19)

Ben Stiller mocks Joaquin Phoenix while presenting at the 2009 Academy Awards. (itn)

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Best and Worst of Oscar Night