Jackman Wins Viewers, Splits Critics

Viewing figures third-smallest recorded despite 13% surge

(NEWSER) - The ratings from this year's Academy Awards were up nearly 4 million from last year's record low, Broadcasting & Cable reports. At 36.3 million, however, the viewing audience was still the third-smallest recorded in the last 40 years. Audience numbers peaked around 10 pm, when Heath Ledger was awarded his posthumous Oscar. More»

Funny and un-funny moments abound at ceremony

(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.”

Hugh has 'style, elegance, and a sense of occasion': producers

(NEWSER) - Australian hottie Hugh Jackman will host the next Academy Awards, but don't expect Jon Stewart-style wisecracking or mugging à la Robin Williams, Deadline Hollywood Daily reports. The ceremony's producers "were looking for Cary Grant or Clark Gable," they said today, and tapped People's "Sexiest Man Alive," who will be one of the few dramatic actors to host alone, because he "has style, elegance and a sense of occasion." More»

After 10 years, an opportunity to fix mistakes: Lowen Liu

(NEWSER) - Slate wants to fix the Oscars—"Academy Awards ceremonies are laughable, even to those of us who love them," the site declares —so it's asking writers and editors to offer up their proposals in advance of the Feb. 26 ceremony. Lowen Liu's idea : Allow for a re-vote on the major categories 10 years later. That would mean that this year, Academy voters could finally make up for the travesty that occurred when A Beautiful Mind won over such "diverse and dazzling" films as English manners mystery Gosford Park and the theatrical Moulin Rouge! More»

Winfrey receiving statuette for humanitarian work

(NEWSER) - Awards season is a long way off, but three Oscar winners have already been announced. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voted to give statuettes to Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, and makeup artist Dick Smith, reports E! Online . Winfrey will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic work, while Jones and Smith will receive honorary awards for their outstanding careers. More»