2012 Academy Award winners

After shaking things up last year with an attempt to draw in a younger audience through hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco, the Academy Awards returned to the tried-and-true master of ceremony in 2012 - Billy Crystal.

Crystal's hosting was what we expected - quite safe, a little cheeky but nothing controversial or surprising. But that wasn't the only predictable element - there were also no real surprising winners this year, with all the favourites taking home the coveted Oscar trophy.

Nevertheless, it was an entertaining night that showcased some of the most significant individuals and collaborations in cinema today. Many worthy winners, some amusing speeches and a great performance by Cirque du Soleil later, the Academy Awards demonstrated why it is still the most prestigious and exciting event in the entertainment industry.

The 2012 Academy Award winners:

Best cinematography
Robert Richardson, Hugo

Best art direction
Hugo

Best costume design
The Artist

Best make up
The Iron Lady

Best foreign language film
A Separation

Best actress in a supporting role
Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best film editing
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Best sound editing
Hugo

Best sound mixing
Hugo

Best documentary feature
Undefeated

Best animated film
Rango

Best visual effects
Hugo

Best actor in a supporting role
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best original score
Ludovic Bource, The Artist

Best song
Man or Muppet, The Muppets

Best adapted screenplay
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash, The Descendants

Best original screenplay
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris

Best live action short
The Shore

Best documentary short
Saving Face

Best animated short
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore

Best director
Michel Hazavanicius, The Artist

Best actor in a leading role
Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Best actress in a leading role
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Best picture
The Artist