News Entertainment Hollywood 12 Years A Slave, Gravity top winners at 86th Oscars (see pics)

12 Years A Slave, Gravity top winners at 86th Oscars (see pics)

Los Angeles: Steve McQueen's slavery drama "12 Years A Slave" that unflinchingly portrays America's dark past was crowned the best picture while Alfonso Cuaron's 3D space thriller "Gravity" walked away with the maximum seven trophies


Blanchett, who received a standing ovation, joked, "Sit down. You're too old to be standing." "I'm here excepting an award in an extraordinary screenplay by Woody Allen. Thank you so much, Woody, for casting me. I truly appreciate it," Blanchett said while also mentioning fellow nominees.

True-story of AIDS activist Ron Woodroof brought actor Matthew McConaughey his career's first Oscar in the best actor category. McConaughey, 44, who lost around 20 kgs of weight to pull the character off, said he needs three things everyday. "Something to look up to, something to look forward and something to chase."



Jared Leto, 42, won the best supporting actor Oscar for his fearless portrayal of a transgender woman suffering from AIDS in "Dallas Buyers Club." The actor-musician mentioned the people in Ukraine and anti-government protesters in Venezuela. "To all the dreamers out there... in places like Ukraine and Venezuela, I want to say, we are here. And as you struggle to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible, we're thinking of you tonight," Leto said.

"Dallas Buyers Club" also won the make-up and hairstyling award. Crime drama "American Hustle" was the biggest loser at the Academy as it went empty handed despite its 10 nominations so did Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" which failed to garner any award despite the buzz surrounding Leonardo DiCaprio's performance.

The 86th Academy awards were held at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. Produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the award ceremony was hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.