Technology Stuff: 'The King's Speech' Conquers The Oscars

Monday, February 28, 2011

'The King's Speech' Conquers The Oscars

Academy picks royal film for its Best Picture, Director and Actor honors.
By Brian Warmoth

Colin Firth poses with his award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in "The King's Speech"
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Director Tom Hooper gave moms watching the 83rd Academy Awards a reason to love his film, and the Oscars gave "The King's Speech" four statues by the end of the night, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

"The moral of this story is: Listen to your mother," Hooper told the audience at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre when he accepted his directing prize. The first-time winner and nominee credited his mother for discovering the script, which also won in its category for writer David Seidler.

Seidler's tale, based on King George VI's struggle to overcome a stuttering problem and lead Britain through World War II, entered the night with a royal recipe of previously nominated talent, historical drama and personal strife. When the ballots were finally counted, the classic formula won out, and Hooper, Seidler and star Colin Firth earned a few coveted words to put in front of their names for the rest of their careers: Oscar winner.

Check out backstage photos of the big Oscar winners.

"I have a feeling my career's just peaked," Firth quipped during his acceptance speech. The excitement, however, wasn't enough for him to get funky in front of the crowd. "I'm afraid I have to warn you that I'm experiencing stirrings somewhere in the upper abdominals," he revealed before excusing himself to go backstage and indulge his desire to dance.

"The King's Speech" may not have swept its nomination categories, with Geoffrey Rush losing out to Christian Bale for Best Supporting Actor and Helena Bonham Carter coming up short against Melissa Leo in "The Fighter" for Best Supporting Actress. Likewise, it failed to take home awards in six other categories where it was nominated. But failing to earn Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography won't be the movie's legacy.

"The Social Network" edged out the Oscar night's biggest winner for Best Film Editing and Best Music, and "The Fighter" earning the first statue of the night ensured that the Oscars would be shared this year.

Nevertheless, of the three films, "The King's Speech" will have the most enviable assortment of laurels on its DVD cover when it lands on store shelves.

Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!

Related Videos