THE OSCARS: Having battled repeated attempts over the years to be banished to a nonbroadcast portion of the awards, the continuing surge in popularity of feature documentaries would seem to bode well for documentary shorts as well.
THE OSCARS: The first award of the evening was also the first to be given out with the new "firing line" format, in which all the nominees were onstage as the winner of the award was announced.
BEST DIRECTING: Clint Eastwood displayed laid-back cool as he accepted the best director award. Martin Scorsese lost his fifth nomination for the award. VIDEO
THE OSCARS: Among the people Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor thanked when they received their Oscar for adapted screenplay for "Sideways" was Rex Pickett, the author of the book.
THE OSCARS: While it is true to say that all five of this year's nominees were period pieces, that belies the diversity of work and range of styles they represented.
THE OSCARS: For "The Incredibles," the sound-editing team frequently had to invent sound effects based largely on the descriptions of director Brad Bird.
THE OSCARS: The boxing saga "Million Dollar Baby" was the Academy Awards heavyweight Sunday, claiming best picture and three other trophies, including honors for director Clint Eastwood, lead-actress Hilary Swank and supporting-actor Morgan Freeman.
THE OSCARS: Though their male counterparts may get more attention, the Oscar nominees for best actress all performed in roles that defied female conventions.
THE OSCARS: Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck oversees the huge Governor's Ball feast, but recommends the ease of a do-it-yourself panini platter for your Oscar get-together.
THE OSCARS: If the 77th Annual Academy Awards telecast grows or breaks even in the ratings Sunday night on ABC, it will be the only prime-time network awards show to do so this season.
CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK: Eastwood or Scorsese. "Million Dollar Baby" or "The Aviator." It's a double match-up that pits a scrappy heart-tugger against a figure of much respect.
THE OSCARS: Unlike last year, when it was obvious that the hobbits and elves would rule Oscar night (and they did), this Academy Awards race looks tougher to call.
THE OSCARS: In addition to this year's in-your-face host, key changes are expected in the set, format and how some of the Academy Awards are presented.
By Charles Perry and Linda Burum, Special to The Times
RESTAURANTS: A burst of innovation has electrified the local dim sum scene, thanks to chefs and restaurateurs from points Far East. It doesn't get any better than this.
