'Aviator's' Blanchett is best supporting actress

The Aviator star Cate Blanchett has picked up the Oscar for best supporting actress.

"Thankyou to the Academy, who know Katharine Hepburn so well and are so intimately acquainted with her work," she began as she collected the gong on stage. "This is an indescribable surprise and honour so thankyou.

"I know you think it's cheesy, sweetheart, but I have to thank you, my husband. Everyone involved in the Aviator. When you play someone as terrifyingly well-known as Katharine Hepburn, it's a collaborative effort - you need as much help as you can get. So thankyou of course to Miss Hepburn - the longevity of her career is inspiring to everyone.

"But most importantly, on behalf of everyone I know on The Aviator, thankyou to Martin Scorsese. I hope my son will marry your daughter."

Just like best supporting actor Morgan Freeman, Blanchett had been the firm favourite in the category. Other nominees had included Laura Linney (Kinsey), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and Natalie Portman (Closer).