Best & Worst: Oscars 2009

She said she wanted an Oscar, and this one for “The Reader” is long overdue after critically acclaimed performances in movies like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” We only wish she had acknowledged that it came via Ricky Gervaias’ suggestion. Credit where it’s due, Kate.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

When chatting with Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet, Miley Cyrus wondered who has the task of putting all the crystals on her dress. We’re pretty sure that’s one of the jobs President Obama’s recently-passed $787 billion spending spree created.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter Jennifer Aniston, most of the Kodak Theater audience, peeps in the press room, and well, our office, were just not that into seeing reaction cutaways of Angelina Jolie, here with her man, Brad Pitt. Tacky.com.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Host Hugh Jackman and Beyonce tried to class up the joint with a glitzy homage to the revived movie musical, but then Troy and Gabriella crashed and were like, “Go Wildcats!,” totally ruining Justin Timberlake‘s leggy, big finish of “All the Single Ladies.” Or was that just wishful thinking?  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

No matter what, this will be the year ““The Dark Knight”” got snubbed. Big time. So when host Hugh Jackman at the top of the show sang, “”How come comic book movies never get nominated?”” we couldn’’t help but look accusingly into that audience of voters and boo.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

We’ve heard it a million times, but it still makes us giddy. In fact, that medley of original song nominees (“”O Saya”” also from ““Slumdog”” and ““Down to Earth”” from “ “Wall-E””) was all together the best production number of the evening.  (Mark J. Terrill / AP)

Having Queen Latifah sing “I’ll Be Seeing You” during the annual death reel helped counter the awkward fact that some of those featured invariably get more applause than others. While claps could still be heard, the forgotten ones met with silence were far less obvious to viewers.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

That’’s why he lets DreamWorks pay him the big bucks for doing stuff like “ “Kung Fu Panda”” and then, in his own words, ““I take all my money here and bet it on Pixar.”” Self-awareness. Awesome.  (Mark J. Terrill / AP)

... is Danny Boyles are wonderful things. Winning the best director Oscar for “Slumdog Millionaire,” Boyle made good on his promise to his kids to receive the award in the spirit of Tigger. In between trouncy, flouncy, pouncy bounces, he sheepishly admitted that he forgot to include the choreographer of the film’s final number in the credits. Then, for good measure, he thanked all of Mumbai.  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

Heath Ledger’s family -- dad Kim Ledger, mom Sally and sister Kate -- accept the best supporting actor statuette on his 3-year-old daughter’s behalf.

“Heath, we both knew what you had created in the Joker was extraordinarily special and had even talked about being here on this very day,” said his sister. “We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you.”  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

Having the former winners in a category come out to take the new inductee into the fold felt like a cult induction. Instead of the awards show instrumental, they should have played Bob Dylan‘s “All Along the Watchtower.”  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Poor Marisa Tomei. Ever since her Oscar win in 1993 for “My Cousin Vinny” she’s been the butt of many a joke. When Ryan Seacrest tried to get her to talk about her 16-year absence from the invite list, she coolly replied, “I was back here after that as well.” In addition to this year’s “The Wrestler” she was nominated in 2002 for “In the Bedroom.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

No one will be this adorable for a long time. We almost forget that she dated Tom Cruise. For years.  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

As the Ghosts of Best Supporting Actors Past singled out the nominees, Cuba called out Robert Downey Jr. for playing a fake black man in “ Tropic Thunder.” “The brothers need the work,” berated Cuba, before going backstage to log onto Monster.com and CareerBuilder.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Because he still gets to go to the Oscars and remind you he was in “ “Hancock,”” one of those movies with “car chases and explosions and excitement.” Um, yeah, so there, “ “Slumdog Millionaire””!  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award winner seemed to forget that hey, ladies, you’re supposed to be funny. Grr, you can’t rely on the new generation to remake all your comedic gems, Mr. Nutty Professor. Then again, I’d pay to see Tina Fey‘s re-imagining of “Cinderfella.” I want to go to there.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Who cares about Natalie Portman when you got Stiller channeling Phoenix, complete with career-hopping crisis beard and sunglasses? “I want to retire from being a funny guy.” Well, the cinematography nominees whose clips were overshadowed by his shtick would probably appreciate that career change.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Furious that her work in 2008’s “Easy Virtue” and “Hole in the Paper Sky” went unnoticed, Biel still manages a way into the ceremony. The fight, however, claimed her dress as its victim.  (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Bill Maher presenting best documentary, a category in which his film, “ “Religulous,”” was eligible but not recognized: ““As a producer and star of a documentary of my own this year, the one about religion that didn’t get nominated... …I know it’s a touchy subject but some day we all do have to confront the notion that our silly gods cost the world too greatly. But there I go again ruining the ending.””  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Hey, people keep criticizing us for ignoring the movies people actually go see. So let’s have the “Pineapple Express” guys do an overly long, pointless bit about 90 minutes into the show. But make sure we take out anything that’s actually funny and don’t let on that they’re really big potheads. We wouldn’t want to offend anyone.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Future winners, look no further than ““Slumdog Millionaire”” composer A.R. Rahman, who took the night’s award for best original score, for inspiration. “”I just want to thank, again, the whole crew of ‘’Slumdog Millionaire.’’ Danny Boyle, for giving me such a great opportunity. All the people from Bombay. The essence of the film is optimism and the power of hope in our lives. All my life I’ve had a choice of hate or love. I’ve always chosen love and I’m here. God bless.””  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)