Freeman takes Best Supporting Actor

Morgan Freeman has taken the Oscar for Best Supporting actor for his role in Million Dollar Baby.

"I want to thank everybody and anybody who had anything at all to do with the making of this picture," said Freeman. "But I especially want to thank Clint Eastwood for giving me the opportunity to work with him again and to work with Hilary Swank. This was a labour of love."

The news was no surprise; Freeman had been the 4/9 bookies' favourite to claim the gong. Other nominees included Alan Alda (The Aviator), Thomas Haden Church (Sideways), Jamie Foxx (Collateral) and Clive Owen (Closer).