Billy Crystal hosted the ceremony for the ninth time (after an eight-year break)

British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen arrived in the guise of his latest creation, Admiral General Aladeen, leader of the fictional north African republic of Wadiya. He was carrying, he said, the ashes of "my dear friend and doubles tennis partner, Kim Jong-il,” which he proceeded to scatter over the red carpet. And Ryan Seacrest.

Hollywood's most famous couple chat with fellow audience members before the awards

Billy Crystal opened the ceremony, as is his tradition, with a song

Tina Fey, star of 30 Rock, and Bradley Cooper, star of The Hangover movies, present the Film Editing Oscar

Octavia Spencer receives the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Minny Jackson in The Help

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi picked up the Best Foreign Film award for his drama A Separation, becoming the first Iranian to win an Oscar

Angelina Jolie presented the screenwriting awards

Uggie, co-star (sort of) of The Artist and star of the Oscars

The Batman star presents the Best Supporting Actress Oscar

The Canadian actor, 82, became the oldest winner of an acting Oscar, picking up Best Supporting Actor for his role in Beginners. "You're only two years older than me, darling; where have you been all my life?" he asked his statuette.

Natalie Portman presents the Best Actor prize

French actor Jean Dujardin accepts the Best Actor award for his role in The Artist

Acclaimed director Steven Spielberg congratulates Best Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer

The winners of the two big acting awards: Best Actress, Meryl Streep for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady and Jean Dujardin, winner of Best Actor for his role in The Artist

The cast and crew of The Artist take the stage to receive the Best Picture Oscar

Best Actress winner Meryl Streep and Oscars host Billy Crystal at the Governors Ball after the ceremony