First-timers dominated an historic Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night. The low-budget Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" captured the top prize of Best Picture, and its director, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman ever to receive Best Director honors from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. The other major categories were also swept by actors earning the first Oscars of their careers. Sandra Bullock, who was the favorite entering the event, was named Best Actress for "The Blind Side," and Jeff Bridges took the Best Actor Oscar for "Crazy Heart." The supporting actress and actor awards went to Mo'Nique for "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" and to Christoph Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds.""The Hurt Locker" -- a top nominee along with "Avatar" heading into the event with nine nominations -- was the night's big winner in quantity as well with six Oscars. Along with Best Picture and Best Director, the film was recognized for its original screenplay, film and sound editing, and sound mixing. "Avatar" received three Oscars, for Art Direction, Cinematography, and Visual Effects. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin served as co-hosts for the 82nd annual Academy Awards. ABC televised the event live from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood and aired on ABC Sunday night.
