'Million Dollar' Night at the Academy Awards

Million Dollar Baby earned four Oscars, including one for best actress for Hilary Swank. She played a woman determined to become a boxing champion and played opposite Clint Eastwood, who starred in the film, as well as directing it.

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Morgan Freeman earned an Oscar for his supporting role in the film. Backstage, he described what an Oscar means to him.

Morgan Freeman: I think it's total acceptance is the best way I can explain an Oscar because so many people vote for you when you get it that you know you're part of a very small group of people.

Director Eastwood won the top Oscars for best director and best motion picture, repeating a feat he accomplished with his 1992 film Unforgiven.

Jamie Foxx was named best actor for his starring role in Ray, playing legendary blues singer Ray Charles. In an emotional acceptance speech, he thanked his family and the late singer.

Jamie Foxx: Oh…Oh…Yea, you’re ready. That’s to Ray Charles. Give it all to Ray Charles and his beautiful legacy. And thank you Ray Charles for living.

The Aviator, the epic story of billionaire Howard Hughes, won five awards, including honors for its art direction, cinematography, costumes and film editing. Costar Cate Blanchett was named best supporting actress. She plays the actress Katharine Hepburn in the film. She thanked director Martin Scorsese and the motion picture academy, which presents the Oscars.

Cate Blanchett: And thank you of course to Miss Hepburn. The longevity of her career I think is inspiring to everyone. But most important importantly and on behalf of everyone I know in The Aviator, thank you to Martin Scorsese. I hope my son will marry your daughter. Thank you.

Other awards included one for best foreign-language film for The Sea Inside. The film from Spain looks at the life of a quadriplegic former seaman who fights for 30 years for the right to die.

Michael O'Sullivan, VOA news, Los Angeles.