Residents in the Mumbai area, Garibnagar, where the child stars of 'Slumdog Millionaire' live are celebrating the film’s Oscar success today.
The film picked up eight awards last night including Best Picture and Best Director for Danny Boyle. Child actors Rubina Ali and Azharuddin attended the awards in Los Angeles.
BBC online reports that neighbours and relatives of the children were up since 4am local time to watch the ceremony live. Rafique, the father of Rubina Ali - who portrays the youngest version of the leading lady Latika in the film - said: "It's a proud moment for India that the film has been awarded an Oscar. I am waiting for my daughter to return home with the stories."
Meanwhile Kate Winslet is celebrating finally winning an Oscar after walking away from the Awards empty-handed five times. Speaking after her victory she said "Let me tell you, winning is really a lot better than losing. A lot better."
During her acceptance speech she thanked her parents and shouted to her father in the audience to "whistle or something 'cause I'll know where you are." He father obliged by whistling from the back of the auditorium.
The parents and sister of Heath Ledger accepted his award last night for Best Supporting Actor and said the award would be held in trust for his daughter Matilda. His mother Sally Bell said: "I think he would have been quietly pleased. He was very proud of what he did. Heath was never one to be over-the-top with anything. But I think he would have been quietly pleased that it's recognized by his peers in the industry."
Sean Penn, in accepting his second Best Actor Oscar, poked fun at himself saying 'I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often' and then went on to urge 'equal rights for everyone.'
Meanwhile Slumdog director Danny Boyle did an impersonation of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh in accepting his award, explaining that when his children were young he told them that "if this miracle ever happened, I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger — which is just what happened."
The ceremony was presented by Hugh Jackman who opened with a song and dance routine about the economic recession.
