The Academy Awards were not big on surprises this year: The King's Speech won Best Picture, Director, and Actor, and Natalie Portman was rewarded for her role in Black Swan, confirming what Oscar prognosticators had predicted for weeks. But there still managed to be some unexpected moments in the three-hour ceremony, both because of who won and because of what the winners said after they were given the statues. Here's a look at who won in the major categories, along with highlights from their acceptance speeches:


See the full list of this year's Academy Award winners

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.