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Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator notched up five wins overall, including most notably for Cate Blanchett as best supporting actress, who paid tribute to her "inspiration," Katharine Hepburn.
Although the movie quickly gained significant momentum, it was ultimately overshadowed as the major awards were presented.
As expected, Million Dollar Baby took best supporting actor for Morgan Freeman, who described the film as a "labour of love," but also best actress for Hilary Swank. The Oscar win was the second of Swank's career, who collected her gong by describing herself as "just a girl from a trailer park who had a dream."
In a double shock, however, Clint Eastwood picked up the prize for best director before going on to claim the most coveted award of the night: best motion picture of the year. The Aviator had been favourite to triumph in both categories; particularly so Martin Scorcese, who has now missed out on a directing Oscar five times.
Jamie Foxx won best actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the acclaimed biopic Ray. In his acceptance speech, a tearful Foxx paid tribute to his late grandmother, his first ever acting teacher. "She still talks to me, but now it's in my dreams," he said. "And I can't wait to go to sleep tonight, because we've got a lot to talk about."
Johnny Depp's Finding Neverland could only manage one win, for best original score. Other movies getting a single nod included Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for best original screenplay, Sideways for best adapted screenplay and Spider-Man 2 for best visual effects.
It was a disappointing night for the Brits, meanwhile, with a direct victory in only one category. Former children's TV presenter Andrea Arnold collected the best live short award for her movie Wasp, about a mother of four living in Dartford.
Click here to see a complete list of who won what and here for our special live coverage of the night.
