Argo takes best picture at the Oscars

Ben Affleck accepts the Best Picture award for Argo onstage along with members of the cast and crew during the Oscars. Picture: AP Source: AP

BEN Affleck's Argo, a film about a fake movie, has earned a very real prize: best picture at the Academy Awards.

It's the first best picture winner not to be nominated for best director since 1989's Driving Miss Daisy.

From the White House,First Lady Michelle Obama joined Jack Nicholson to help present the final prize.

''There are eight great films that have every right, as much a right to be up here as we do,'' Affleck said of the other best-picture nominees.

Michelle Obama presents the Oscar for Best Picture.

In share-the-wealth mode, Oscar voters spread Oscar honors among a range of films, with Argo winning three trophies but Life of Pi leading with four.

Hugh Jackman has missed out on the best actor Oscar to Daniel Day-Lewis.

Day-Lewis joined a select group of recipients with his third Oscar, taking the best-actor trophy for his monumental performance as Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War saga Lincoln.

John Goodman, left, Alan Arkin, center, and actor-director Ben Affleck in a scene from "Argo." Picture: AP

Bookmakers had Jackman, for his performance in Les Miserables, as the second favourite for Academy Award.

The other best actor nominees were Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), Denzel Washington (Flight) and Joaquin Phoenix (The Master).

Naomi Watts failed to do the impossible and win the best actress Oscar.

The Australian was a long-shot with bookmakers for her role as a tsunami survivor in The Impossible, and that proved to be correct, with Jennifer Lawrence, for Silver Linings Playbook, taking the gold statuette.

It is the second time Watts has come up empty-handed at the Academy Awards, missing out at the 2004 ceremony when she was nominated for 21 Grams.

The other best actress nominees at the 85th Academy Awards were Emmanuelle Riva (Amour), Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) and Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty).

Daniel Day-Lewis accepts the award for best actor in a leading role for "Lincoln". Picture: AP

Les Miserables' Anne Hathaway has lived up to the hype and won the best supporting actress Oscar ahead of Australian veteran Jacki Weaver.

Weaver was nominated for Silver Linings Playbook, her second nomination in two years after her Hollywood breakthrough performance in Australian crime drama Animal Kingdom.

Adding to the Aussie Oscar woes, Hobbit nominees visual effects wizard Dave Clayton and make-up-hairstylist Rick Findlater also missed out.

Meryl Streep, left, presents the award for best actor in a leading role to Daniel Day-Lewis for "Lincoln". Picture: AP

Ang Lee pulled off a huge upset as best director for Life of Pi.

Christoph Waltz won his second supporting-actor Oscar for a Tarantino film, this time as a genteel bounty hunter in the slave-revenge saga Django Unchained.

Tarantino also won his second Oscar, for original screenplay for Django.

Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence takes a fall in her stride on her way to receiving her Oscar and manages a joke while keeping her dignity.

Ang Lee pulled off a major upset, won best director for the shipwreck story Life of Pi, taking the prize over Steven Spielberg, who had been favored for Lincoln.

Lawrence took a fall on her way to the stage, tripping on the steps.

''You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell,'' Lawrence joked as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

At 22, Lawrence is the second-youngest woman to win best actress, behind Marlee Matlin, who was 21 when she won for Children of a Lesser God.

Lawrence also is the third-youngest best-actress contender ever, earning her first nomination at age 20 two years ago for her breakout role in Winter's Bone, the film that took her from virtual unknown to one of Hollywood's most-versatile and sought-after performers.

With a monumental performance as Abraham Lincoln, Day-Lewis became the only performer to win three best-actor Oscars, adding to the honors he earned for My Left Foot and There Will Be Blood.

Jennifer Lawrence accepts the award for best actress in a leading role for "Silver Linings Playbook" during the Oscars. Picture: AP

He's just the sixth actor to earn three or more Oscars, tied with Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Ingrid Bergman and Walter Brennan with three each, and just behind Katharine Hepburn, who won four.

Hathaway, whose perkiness helped carry her and the listless Franco through an ill-starred stint as Oscar hosts two years ago, is the third performer in a musical to win supporting actress during the genre's resurgence in the last decade.

''It came true,'' said Hathaway, who joins 2002 supporting-actress winner Catherine Zeta-Jones for Chicago and 2006 recipient Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls.

Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, from the cast of "Les Miserables," perform during the Oscars. Picture: AP

Hathaway had warm thanks for Les Miz co-star Hugh Jackman, with whom she once sang a duet at the Oscars when he was the show's host.

Hathaway's Oscar came for her role as noble but fallen Fantine in the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway smash that was based on Victor Hugo's epic novel of revolution, romance and redemption in 19th century France.

Life of Pi also won for Mychael Danna's multicultural musical score that blends Indian and Western instruments and influences, plus cinematography and visual effects.

Host Seth MacFarlane sings 'We saw your boobs' at the Oscars. Courtesy Nine. Watch the Oscars Special on Nine 9.30 pm AEST

''I really want to thank you for believing this story and sharing this incredible journey with me,'' Lee said to all who worked on the film, a surprise blockbuster about a youth trapped on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.

A veteran performer in Germany and his native Austria, Waltz had been a virtual unknown in Hollywood when Tarantino cast him as a gleefully evil Nazi in 2009's Inglourious Basterds, which won him his first Oscar.

''I have to cast the right people to make those characters come alive,'' said Tarantino, who won previously for Pulp Fiction.

Seth MacFarlane has lived up to his risky reputation as Oscars host. Watch the Oscars Special on Nine 9.30 pm AEST

''And boy, this time, did I do it. Thank you so much, guys.''

Waltz has since done a handful of other Hollywood movies, but it's Tarantino who has given him his two choicest roles. Backstage, Waltz had a simple explanation for why the collaboration works.

''Quentin writes poetry, and I like poetry,'' Waltz said.

Oscar host Seth MacFarlane opened with a mildly edgy monologue that offered the usual polite jabs at the academy, the stars and the industry.

He took a poke at academy voters over the snub of Ben Affleck, who missed out on a directing nomination for best-picture favorite Argo, a thriller about the CIA's plot to rescue six Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis.

''The story was so top secret that the film's director is unknown to the academy,'' MacFarlane said.

Host Seth MacFarlane speaks onstage during the Oscars. Picture: AP

''They know they screwed up. Ben, it's not your fault.''

Argo also claimed the Oscar for adapted screenplay for Chris Terrio, who worked with Affleck to create a liberally embellished story based on an article about the rescue and part of CIA operative Tony Mendez's memoir.

Terrio dedicated the award to Mendez, saying ''33 years ago, Tony, using nothing but his creativity and his intelligence, Tony got six people out of a bad situation.''

The foreign-language prize went to Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke's old-age love story Amour, which had been a major surprise with five nominations, including picture, director and original screenplay for Haneke and best actress for Emmanuelle Riva, who turned 86 on Oscar night and would be the oldest acting winner ever.

The top prize winner at last year's Cannes Film Festival, Amour follows the agonizing story of an elderly man (Jean-Louis Trintignant) tending his wife (Riva) as she declines from age and illness.

Haneke thanked his own wife for supporting him in his work for 30 years.

''You are the center of my life,'' Haneke said.

The Scottish adventure Brave, from Disney's Pixar Animation unit, was named best animated feature.

Pixar films have won seven of the 12 Oscars since the category was added.

''I just happen to be wearing the kilt,'' said Brave co-director Mark Andrews, who took the stage in his trademark Scottish garment.

The upbeat musical portrait Searching for Sugar Man took the documentary feature prize.

The film follows the quest of two South African fans to discover the fate of acclaimed but obscure singer-songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, who dropped out of sight after two albums in the 1970s and was rumored to have died a bitter death.

''Thanks to one of the greatest singers ever, Rodriguez,'' said Sugar Man director Malik Bendjelloul.

There was a rare tie in one category, with the Osama bin Laden thriller Zero Dark Thirty' and the James Bond tale Skyfall each winning for sound editing.

William Shatner made a guest appearance as his Star Trek character Capt. James Kirk, appearing on a giant screen above the stage during MacFarlane's monologue, saying he came back in time to stop the host from ruining the Oscars.

''Your jokes are tasteless and inappropriate, and everyone ends up hating you,'' said Shatner, who revealed a headline supposedly from the next day's newspaper that read, ''Seth MacFarlane worst Oscar host ever.''

The performance-heavy Oscars also included an opening number featuring Charlize Theron and Channing Tatum, who did a classy dance while MacFarlane crooned The Way You Look Tonight.

Daniel Radcliffe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt then joined MacFarlane for an elegant musical rendition of High Hopes.

Halle Berry introduced a tribute to the Bond franchise, in which she has co-starred, as the British super-spy celebrated his 50th anniversary on the big-screen last year with the latest adventure Skyfall.

Shirley Bassey sang her theme song to the 1960s Bond tale Goldfinger.

Later, pop star Adele performed her theme tune from Skyfall, which won the best-song Oscar.

Barbra Streisand injected some musical sentiment into the show's segment memorializing Hollywood figures who died in the past year as she sang The Way We Were, the Oscar-winning song she did in the film of the same name.

A salute to the resurgence of movie musicals in the last decade included Oscar winners Zeta-Jones singing All That Jazz from Chicago and Hudson doing And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going from Dreamgirls.

Hathaway and Jackman joined cast mates of best-picture contender Les Miserables to sing songs from their musical.

Academy officials said all performances were sung live.

Fans had pondered how far MacFarlane the impudent creator of Family Guy, might push the normally prim and proper Oscars.

MacFarlane was generally polite and respectful, showcasing his charm, wit and vocal gifts.

MacFarlane did press his luck a bit on an Abraham Lincoln joke, noting that Raymond Massey preceded Lincoln star Daniel Day-Lewis as an Oscar nominee for 1940's Abe Lincoln in Illinois.

''I would argue that the actor who really got inside Lincoln's head was John Wilkes Booth,'' MacFarlane wisecracked, earning some groans from the crowd.

''A hundred and 50 years later, and it's still too soon?''

 THE WINNERS

Best Picture - Argo

Best Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln

Best Actress - Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook

Achievement in Directing - Ang Lee for Life of Pi

Original Screenplay - Quentin Tarantino for Django Unchained

Adapted Screenplay - Chris Terrio for Argo

Original Song - Skyfall by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth for Skyfall

Original Score - Pi's Lullaby by Mychael Danna for Life of Pi

Production Design - Lincoln

Film Editing - William Goldenberg for Argo

Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Anna Hathaway for Les Miserables

Sound Editing - Zero Dark Thirty and SkyFall

Sound Mixing  - Les Miserables

Foreign Language Film -  Michael Haneke for Amour

Best Documentary Feature - Searching for Sugar Man

Documentary Short Subject - Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine for Innocents

Best Live Action Short Film - Shawn Christensen for Curfew

Make-Up and Hairstyling - Les Miserables

Costume Design - Jacqueline Durran for Anna Karenina

Cinematography - Claudio Miranda for Life of Pi

Visual Effects - Life of Pi

Animated Short Film - John Connors for Paperman

Animated Feature - Brave

Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz for Django Unchained

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Taking wrong road easy as EBC

Ben Barba partying with friends in pictures posted on Instagram and with new girlfriend Lauren Tweddle.

Ben Barba sporting the EBC tattoo. Source: Facebook

THEY'RE proudly known as the Epic Bender Crew, a tight-knit band of party-hard Gen Y mates who binge their way through most weekends.

And just before Christmas last year, Ben Barba decided to join them.

Barba's association with the Cronulla-based group, known locally and online as EBC, provides plenty of clues as why he could no longer be the game's clean-skinned poster boy.

While a painful split with childhood sweetheart, Ainslie Currie, and problem gambling are the other significant reasons, excessive drinking and partying have conspired toward Barba's downfall.

Those pastimes are also the driving force behind EBC's charter, with the group known around the Sutherland Shire for its extreme commitment to having a blast.

The link to Barba appears to be Daniel Folkes, the son of former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes. Daniel Folkes also featured on the short-lived TV show The Shire.

Barba and Folkes were teammates in Canterbury's under-20s team and were photographed together in EBC-themed parties over the Christmas period.

There's also a telling SMS exchange that Folkes posted on his Facebook site, in which Barba pledges to join EBC by getting a tattoo with the group's initials.

"I think it's safe to say you are part of the famous EBC welcome aboard," Folkes texted on December 14 last year.

"That's it, I'm getting the tatt," Barba replied.

Shortly afterwards Folkes posted another picture, this time of a shirtless Barba getting the initials E-B-C inked on to his lower torso.

A close friend of Barba last night said the superstar has toned down his partying with EBC since resuming training last month.

"He did spend a bit of time with those guys before and after Christmas," the friend said.

There's no suggestion EBC enjoy anything more sinister than having a good time - for a long time.

Furthermore, Reni Maitua and John Sutton have carved out long careers as members of the Bra Boys, an infinitely more notorious gang.

And in the end, Barba will not be cured should he stop drinking or have the EBC tattoo removed.

His problems extend back to the split with Currie, his childhood sweetheart from Mackay and the mother of his two baby daughters.

Barba's association with EBC occurred around the same time he and Currie ended their eight-year relationship.The couple purchased their first home in Caringbah last year, but Barba didn't move out until early last week.

In the first indication that his life was falling apart, Barba requested a few days away from training last week.

Canterbury boss Todd Greenberg gave him the green light and was receiving daily updates about Barba's welfare from Currie.

"Moving out was a big thing," the friend said.

"Suddenly Ben was on his own and I don't think he expected it to be so hard without the kids."

Friends are confident that Barba will be restored once he and Currie patch up their differences.

But he also has deeper demons to confront, including a worrying gambling habit.

While Greenberg dismissed suggestions that Barba had fallen into debt, Bulldogs insiders have been concerned for some time about the proportion of his salary that's frittered away through TAB terminals and poker machines.

"He bets on the horses," an inner-city publican said.

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Breast Supporting Actress gets Twitter account

Host Seth MacFarlane sings 'We saw your boobs' at the Oscars. Courtesy Nine. Watch the Oscars Special on Nine 9.30 pm AEST

Sock puppets get the Seth MacFarlane treatment during Oscar opening ceremony. Courtesy Nine. Watch the Oscars Special on Nine 9.30 pm AEST

Anne Hathaway's nipples have inspired their own Twitter account. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Anne Hathaway's nipples have tried to steal the show from Angelina Jolie's right leg at last year's Oscars. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

ALL eyes were on what Best Supporting Actress winner Anne Hathaway was going to wear to this year's Oscars, but shortly after she stepped out in her pink Prada gown, all eyes were clearly on something else.

A Twitter account called @HathawayNipples, run by "AnneHathawayNipples" popped up within minutes of her Oscars red carpet debut.

Looking to quickly become the new @AngiesRightLeg - which amassed tens of thousands of followers during last year's Oscars - almost 2,000 people were following the account within an hour of it going live.

FULL GALLERY: Oscars 2013 Red Carpet

Fashion critics were quick to suggest that Hathaway's gown left little to the imagination, with the braless ensemble making her nipples completely visible through the sheer satin material.

But what exactly did AnneHathawayNipples have to say about their red carpet moment and inclusion on the "Breast Dressed List".

"Anyone else feeling a little chilly? #Oscars," they tweeted.

Anne Hathaway's nipples have inspired their own Twitter account. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Before adding: "#LesNipplerables" and "Well this is awkward. #WeSawYourBoobs #Oscars" in reference to host Seth McFarlane's opening musical number about all the actresses' boobs that had been seen in movies.

"Anne Hathaway we saw your boobs in Brokeback Mountain, Halle Berry we saw them in Monster's Ball. Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut, Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler but we haven't seen Jennifer Lawrence's boobs at all," he sang. Watch the above video to see how it went down.

PICTURES: Beards of the Oscars - Men put their best fuzz forward

Angelina Jolie's Leg wasn't happy about the Twitter imposter and quickly had something to say about the new account.

"Just say no to @hathawaynipples SHE is NO ME!", it tweeted to its 41,000 followers.

But according to E!'s red carpet coverage, Anne's nipples almost didn't have their fifteen minutes of Oscars fame.

Just three hours before the red carpet Valentino was convinced she was wearing one of their gowns, only for her to switch to the pink Prada "underwelmer" at the eleventh hour.

The reason for the switch is not yet known.

It's not the first time Hathaway has suffered an embarrassing red carpet wardrobe malfunction.

The star was mortified in mid-December when cameras caught her stepping out of a car with no underwear on at the Les Miserables premiere in New York.

@ali_stephenson_

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Hugh helps stumbling Jennifer

Actors Hugh Jackman, center, and Helena Bonham Carter, right, are backstage at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP) Source: AP

HUGH Jackman might have missed out on an Oscar, but the Les Miserables star won the award for chivalry when he leapt out of his chair to help Jennifer Lawrence, who had tripped on her way up to the podium.

The Silver Linings Playbookstar recovered quickly, however, joking to the star-studded crowd that they had only given her a standing ovation because they felt sorry for her.

Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence takes a fall in her stride on her way to receiving her Oscar and manages a joke while keeping her dignity.

"You guys are just standing up because I fell and you feel bad. That was embarrassing," she said.

Hugh Jackman rushes to help Jennifer Lawrence after her fall. Picture: Supplied Source: news.com.au

Accepting the golden statuette for best actress, Lawrence, 22, paid tribute to her fellow nominees, including Australia's Naomi Watts (The Impossible.)

Jennifer Lawrence accepts the award for best actress in a leading role for "Silver Linings Playbook" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Source: AP

Lawrence's wasn't the only wardrobe malfunction at the 2013 Oscars.

Meryl Streep stood on the hem of her frock on her way to present a record third best actor to Lincoln's Daniel Day-Lewis, who now has as many of the golden statuettes as she does.

Meryl Streep, left, presents the award for best actor in a leading role to Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln. Picture: AP Source: AP

And the pink silk gown chosen by best actress winner Anne Hathaway accentuated her nipples so clearly, they got their own twitter handle - @HathawaysNipples - which instantly attracted thousands of followers.

Anne Hathaway poses with her award for best actress in a supporting role for "Les Miserables". Picture: AP Source: AP

Not one of the five Australians nominated for an Oscar this year - including best supporting actress Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook), hair and makeup artist Rick Findlater (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) and visual effects artist David Clayton (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) - won their category.

But as well as playing the knight-in-shining armour, Jackman, together with Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and the rest of the Les Miserables cast, delivered a showstopping medley of songs from the Cameron Mackintosh musical, including the Oscar-nominated original song Suddenly, which ultimately lost out to Adele's Skyfall.

Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, from the cast of "Les Miserables," perform during the Oscars. Picture: AP Source: AP

Even more surprising than an early appearance by Star Trek's Captain Kirk, aka William Shatner, was the Academy's decision to beam Michelle Obama in straight from the White House to present the award for best film.

Michelle Obama presents the Oscar for Best Picture. Source: Supplied

Having been snubbed for a best director nomination, Ben Affleck's Argo was a popular choice.

"I was here 15 years ago or something and you know I had no idea what I was doing. I stood out here in front of you all, really just a kid," said the filmmaker, recalling his 1998 win for best screenplay with friend and writing partner Matt Damon.

Ang Lee won best director for Life of Pi, his critically and commercially successfully adaptation of book that was widely regarded as unfilmable.

Christopher Waltz won his second best supporting actor Oscar for Django Unchained.
 

Key Winners

BEST PICTURE: Argo

BEST DIRECTOR: Ang Lee (Life of Pi).

BEST ACTOR: Daniel Day Lewis (Lincoln)

BEST ACTRESS: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)

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Tensions boil over in My Kitchen Rules

Ashlee and Sophia from My Kitchen Rules. Picture: Channel 7 Source: Supplied

Keiran and Nastassia, gatecrashers from My Kitchen Rules. Picture: Channel 7 Source: Supplied

THE ticking time bomb finally exploded on My Kitchen Rules as best friends Ashlee and Sophia got what was coming to them from Victorian housewives Angela and Melina.

At Ali and Samuel's Wonderland themed South American feast tensions were high as best friends Ashlee and Sophia found themselves seated across from Victorian housewives Angela and Melina.

"We're at war with the other teams and they are definitely coming at us," said the friends from NSW who made no secret of the fact that they thought the night was "average" by rolling their eyes and resting their heads on the table.

The showdown that ensued was a tad short of the fisty cuffs viewers had been expecting but everyone has their tipping point and beauty therapist Angela finally reached hers, pulling the girls up for their rudeness.

"I'm not going to sit here and pretend that we are all not just pretending to pretend," she said. "I have found you to be cold and rude, you must have a personality disorder or lack of manners."

Yeah, you tell them Ange, what a way to break that awkward dinner silence.

Even Lisa joined in on the action telling the girls she didn't want to go to their house for dinner because she did not know what kind of welcome to expect.

But the girls bit back taking the tally to one all, calling Lisa a "buzz kill" and the kind of boring person who "could put fish to sleep".

Speaking of fish, the food was just as spicy as the conversation and thankfully was much better received than the conversation. Ali and Samuel were out to prove something after having been accused of cheating last time for using curry paste out of a jar.

The menu consisted of:

Pink Ling and Abalone ceviche

Beef fillet with cacao and chilli, harissa and broad bean salad
South American churros with avocado and chocolate dipping sauce
Both Manu and Pete loved each dish and the other contestants scored the Tasmanian couple well, giving them a total score of 33.

Will it be enough to save them? We'll find out on Tuesday night when this tea party continues.

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Top five Oscar Award moments

(L-R): Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis stands with Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence, Best Supporting Actress Anne Hathaway, and Best Supporting Actor Christoph Waltz during the 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO / Joe KLAMAR Source: AFP

HERE we recap the top five moments of this year's Oscar Awards, from the wardrobe malfunctions to the performers and winners who took home a gong.

1. Jennifer takes a trip:

You're 22, in a room full of superstars, dazed as they call our your name as the best lead actress, in front of a global audience of more than a billion. Okay, breathe, gather yourself, walk as gracefully as you can, made not so easy by your billowing Dior Haute Couture gown. And then, splat! Face plant on the Dolby Theatre stairs, Hollywood road-kill, if you will. As embarrassing as it was, Silver Linings Playbook star Jennifer Lawrence laughed off the moment, rewarded with a standing ovation by the A-list crowd: "You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I just fell, but thank you."

Jennifer Lawrence suffered an accidental fall while accepting her Best Actress award at the Oscars. Picture: Supplied Source: news.com.au

2. Shirley, Barbra, Adele, oh my:

How to separate the performances by three of the greatest divas of our time? All the pre-show buzz had been about the return of Adele, performing her now Oscar-winning original song, Skyfall. She didn't disappoint, only to be matched for raw emotion by Barbra Streisand's In Memoriam tribute to Marvin Haimlisch (singing The Way We Were); and pure lung capacity by Dame Shirley Bassey belting out Goldfinger. No hint of a pre-recorded backing track, just scintillating talent unleashed on an audience who could only sit slack-jawed and applaud.

Barbra Streisand performs at the Oscars. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

3. Do you hear the people sing?:

This year's Oscars homage to the movie musical would not have been in fashion but for the risks taken by the cast of Les Miserables, who stormed the stage to introduce their nominations including best film and original song. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway have done the song-and-dance thing here before and their experience showed, but it was the minor players like Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks who really stole the moment with their powerful vocals. Even Russell Crowe did his bit well. If they were giving out prizes for guts this group won by a country mile.

The cast of Les Miserables performs onstage. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

4. Sock it to 'em:

Oscars host Seth MacFarlane pre-empted the bagging he will inevitably get for steering this ship, but there were a few bright spots in an otherwise disjointed night. Like the re-telling of Denzel Washington's Flight movie using sock puppets (inspired!) or the zinger about Django Unchained's violence ("or as Chris Brown and Rihanna call it, a date movie''). Even when he looked like bombing, Seth was quick to turn on the uptight crowd. Referencing the overuse of the "N" word in Django, he got boos for saying the screenplay was "loosely based on Mel Gibson's voicemails," only to slap the fickle crowd with: "oh really? So you're on his side?"

Host Seth MacFarlane speaks onstage during the Oscars. Picture: AP Source: AP

5. Argo (f*%$ the Academy):

Overlooking Ben Affleck for a best director nomination has plagued the Academy for months, so it was left to MacFarlane to address the stuff up, quick smart, in his opening monologue (telling the audience straight up "'the film's director is unknown to the academy. They know they screwed up. Ben it's not your fault"). Still, for every nomination, or win, that went to Argo, it was like re-opening the wound. Justice prevailed when Argo took home the best picture prize, but it's surely the almost-Oscar that will haunt Affleck always.

Affleck delivers a passionate acceptance speech. Picture: AP Source: AP

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Support tumbles for Gillard in poll

The latest Newspoll, published in The Australian, shows a five-point drop in Ms Gillard's standing as preferred Prime Minister. Source: The Daily Telegraph

SUPPORT for Julia Gillard as Prime Minister has tumbled to a six-month low as the latest opinion poll shows Labor would be thrashed if a federal election was held now.

But the Greens have enjoyed a small rise in support after announcing a split with Labor last week.

The latest Newspoll, published in The Australian, showing a five-point drop in Ms Gillard's standing as preferred PM is likely to spark a new round of leadership speculation.

In November last year Ms Gillard held a 14-point lead as Better PM but today's poll has Liberal leader Tony Abbott ahead by four points - with a lead of 40 to 36 per cent.

Today's Newspoll shows the Greens rose two points to 11 per cent.

Support for Labor fell one point to 31 per cent - its lowest level in Newspoll since July last year and in line with last week's Fairfax Nielsen Poll which showed Labor at 30 per cent.

The Coalition's primary vote also slipped one point to 47 but it would easily win an election held now with the two-party vote after preferences showing the Coalition ahead 55 to 45 per cent.

The Gillard Government also faces the prospect of a $15 billion Budget black hole as businesses struggle with the end of the mining boom and the slowdown in spending, economists warn.

The latest forecasts show the Budget deficit may be even bigger than originally imagined.

Despite the introduction of some tough cost-cutting measures, the latest research from global bank UBS forecasts the Federal Budget in May will show a $12 billion black hole in revenues and cost overruns of about $3 billion.

The biggest pain is coming from the expected $8 billion drop in taxes from the corporate sector.

UBS strategist Matthew Johnson said the mining sector had been the problem child of the crash in corporate tax receipts as commodity prices fell in the back half of 2012.

And this crash in revenues is outside of the Gillard Government's flawed mining tax, which has raised just $126 million in its first six months of operation. Treasury had forecast it would raise $2 billion in its first year.

But Mr Johnson said the sharp slowdown in business revenues meant that the second half of the financial year might generate even bigger Budget problems for Treasury.

- with Stephen McMahon

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Free airport parking, but there's a catch

Flightcar lets travellers rent their cars so they don't have to pay for airport parking.

THERE'S no doubt airport parking fees can pack a punch.

Parking for the day at either Melbourne or Sydney airports' domestic car parks will cost $56. Going by train isn't much better – with a return ticket to Sydney domestic airport to the city costing $31.80 – then you've still got to get home from there.

So it's not surprising travellers are desperate to save money on airport fees.

In San Francisco a new company is hoping to help travellers do just this – but there's a catch – you'll have to share your car.

The valet service FlightCar offers travellers the chance to park for free at the airport, but you have to let someone else drive your car while you're away, ABC7 reported.

The cars are rented to tourists at prices much less than what the big hire car companies charge.

FlightCar co-founder Shri Ganeshram said it works like Airbnb, which allows people to rent their houses out.

"I think people have started to become more open to sharing," Mr Ganeshram said. "Our pricing strategy is to just be the cheapest, so take whatever you see and likely the FlightCar price is going to be 20 to 50 per cent off of that."

The cars must not look trashed. They must be made in this century, have under 241,400 kilometres on the clock and have no parts held up by duct tape!

Travellers who rent out their car can get a $10 fuel card, and a free wash.

While it currently only operates in San Francisco, it could come to other cities – and hopefully countries – if it's a success.
 

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Steroids found in Pistorius' home'

The body of Reeva Steenkamp has arrived home after she was shot dead inside Oscar Pistorius' house.

BANNED steroids were reportedly found in Oscar Pistorius' home after the death of model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

South African police are now investigating whether the famed 'Blade Runner' athletics superstar was overcome with aggression, or 'roid rage', a side effect of the banned drugs, The Sun reports.

Blood samples taken from Pistorius are now being tested for steroid traces.

The star Olympian and Paralympian was charged on Friday with the Valentine's Day murder of 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp who was shot dead at his luxury Pretoria home in a case that has gripped the world.

Cops also reportedly found a bloody bat and evidence of heavy drinking at the Pistorius' Pretoria home where Steenkamp was shot dead.

Cops are reportedly testing Oscar Pistorius' blood for traces of steroids after finding banned drugs in his home after the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Earlier, South African media reported that Pistorius nearly shot a friend at an upmarket restaurant recently when the pistol he was looking at accidentally went off.

The incident occurred less than a month before the star athlete was charged with murder after his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead at his upscale home in the early hours of Valentine's Day.

His family has strongly denied he intentionally killed his girlfriend and the sprinter is due to appear in court on Tuesday at a bail hearing.

Reeva's skull 'crushed by bat'

Oscar Pistorius weeps as he faces court charged with the murder of his girlfriend. Picture: AP

Pistorius was looking at a friend's gun at a restaurant in Johannesburg when the firearm discharged accidentally, Kevin Lerena told the Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper on Monday.

"I had quite a fright, because the bullet hit the ground centimetres (inches) from my foot," said Lerena, a professional boxer, who described the incident as "a freak accident".

"For some reason, it got caught on his trousers, flipped the safety pin and a shot went off. I wouldn't say he was negligent. Days afterwards he was still apologising."

"The revolver belonged to one of his friends... he wanted to have a look at it."

Oscar Pistorius posing last month with girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, whom he is accused of shooting dead at his home.

The restaurant manager heard a loud bang, but Oscar and his friends denied anything had happened, he told the newspaper.

Police also found a bloodied cricket bat at the home of Oscar Pistorius, a local newspaper reported.

Pistorius's family denies he intentionally killed the blonde covergirl, with his father telling a newspaper he had "zero doubt" his son had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder and his 89-year old grandmother saying the killing was accidental.

The family has said the 26-year-old, who is being held until a bail hearing on Tuesday, is "numb with shock as well as grief" over Steenkamp's death.

Oscar Pistorius' lawyer Kenny Oldwage, left, and brother Carl Pistorius arrive at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria, South Africa on Sunday.

It comes as South Africa's independent City Press newspaper quoted police sources close to the investigation saying that the cricket bat had been found and that Steenkamp's skull had been "crushed".

"There was lots of blood on the bat," one source said.

Police are investigating whether the bat was used to assault Steenkamp, who was shot four times in the early hours of Thursday, or if she may have used it to defend herself, the newspaper said.

The law student turned magazine model had been shot in the head, hip, arm and hand.

South African athletics star Oscar Pistorius runs to gold in the final of the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

"The suspicion is that the first shot, in the bedroom, hit her in the hip. She then ran and hid herself in the toilet... He fired three more shots," a police source told City Press.

Pistorius - and later paramedics - struggled in vain to save Miss Steenkamp's life.

As they did, police found the bloodied cricket bat in the athlete's bedroom, the paper said.

Authorities have rejected suggestions that Pistorius mistook Steenkamp for an intruder and yesterday police spokesman Neville Malila refused to comment on the reports of the cricket bat.

"I don't know where they got it from, but they didn't get it from any official source in the police," Mr Malila said.

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Our new fighter is scared of storms

Look out for those clouds. The JSF can be shot down by lightning. Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA'S proposed new Joint Strike Fighter combat aircraft can't fly near lightning storms, or easily turn to evade enemy fighters or missiles.

US Air Force Lieutenant General Chris Bogdan, who heads the US military's $16 billion JSF program, admits the F-35 Lightning II jet can't fly within 40km of a lightning storm because its fuel tanks could ignite.

"Will this problem occur in the future? No, because we have the known fixes for it and we will fix it," Lt-Gen told ABC TV.

The Lockheed Martin JSF is a fifth-generation combat aircraft featuring stealth capability - low visibility to radar - and advanced sensors to detect enemy aircraft.

But the program has experienced technical problems, rising costs and delays.

Australia is looking to acquire up to 100 JSFs to form the backbone of the RAAF air combat fleet.

So far, the federal government has firmly committed to just two.

But in last year's budget the government deferred signing a deal for the next 12 aircraft for two years.

A JSF critic, US defence analyst Pierre Sprey, told the ABC the JSF was inferior to the widely used F-16 - an aircraft dating from the early 1970s which remains in production.

"We have an airplane that can't turn to escape fighters, can't turn to escape missiles, sluggish in acceleration because it's so big and fat and draggy and doesn't have enough motor for the weight," he said.

"My prediction is the airplane will become such an embarrassment that it will be cancelled before 500 airplanes are built."

General Bogdan maintains the JSF is a formidable aeroplane.

"I have no doubt if you went head-to-head with this airplane with any other airplane in the world with the capabilities that I know it has, it will do very, very well," he said.

General Bogdan also said the costs of JSF aircraft were decreasing.

"I expect and will demand that the future lots will continue on that trend to cost less and less," he said.

Responding to the television program, a spokeswoman for Defence Minister Stephen Smith said earlier reviews of Australia's air combat needs concluded the JSF was the preferred aircraft.

"Deferring our project by two years reduces our exposure to increasing costs and provides increased time for resolution of the remaining technical challenges," the spokeswoman said.

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'Why my little girl? Why did he do this?'

Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Pistorius's girlfriend. Source: Supplied

The body of Reeva Steenkamp has arrived home after she was shot dead inside Oscar Pistorius' house.

THE mother of Oscar Pistorius's slain girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp has asked "Why my little girl? Why did this happen? Why did he do this?".

June Steenkamp told the Times of South Africa her daughter "had so much of herself to give and now all that is gone".

"Just like that, she is gone... in the blink of an eye and a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer here," she said.

"All we have is this horrendous death to deal with... to get to grips with. All we want are answers... answers as to why this had to happen, why our beautiful daughter had to die like this." The family is preparing to hold a funeral service for the 29-year-old model, who was shot dead at Pistorius's luxury home in Pretoria on Valentine's Day. Her body will be cremated on Tuesday in her home town of Port Elizabeth, in a private ceremony for family and friends.

Bloodied cricket bat linked to killing

Pistorius, the double amputee who became a sporting hero to millions when he competed at the Olympics last year, has been charged with killing Steenkamp and will appear in a Pretoria court on Tuesday for a bail hearing.

More than 100 people are expected to attend an hour-long memorial service on Tuesday for Steenkamp, a law graduate who had been going out with the 26-year-old Pistorius since late last year.

Well-wishers have already begun placing bouquets of flowers outside the family home.

Her uncle, Mike Steenkamp, said the family had been overwhelmed with offers of help and sympathy.

"We have received a lot of condolences from all over South Africa and around the world as well. We have received a lot of support."

Police says Steenkamp was shot four times in the early hours of Thursday by a pistol owned by Pistorius and died of her wounds at the scene.

His family has insisted that the evidence will refute "any possibility of a premeditated murder or indeed any murder at all".

Defence lawyers are expected to argue at Tuesday's hearing that there are "exceptional circumstances" for Pistorius to be granted bail, a request that will be opposed by the state.

That request means the hearing is likely to offer more details about what happened in the early hours of Valentine's Day at Pistorius's upmarket home in a gated estate in the South African capital.

Pistorius, who broke down sobbing in his first court appearance on Friday, has built up a powerful team of lawyers, medical specialists and public relations experts for his defence.

Stuart Higgins, a former editor of British tabloid The Sun, whose lengthy list of clients includes British Airways, Chelsea FC and Manchester United football club, will be handling public relations in the case.

One of the lawyers, Kenny Oldwage, acted for the driver in a 2010 accident that killed former president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela's great-grandchild Zenani. The driver was acquitted.

The events of February 14 have put Pistorius's career on hold, forcing him to cancel races in Australia, Brazil, Britain and the United States between March and May.

"I have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option but to cancel all future races that Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in, to allow Oscar to concentrate on the upcoming legal proceedings," manager Peet van Zyl said.

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Rudd the man who won't go away

There are several ways a Rudd second coming could occur but all of them would pose problems for Labor. Source: News Limited

It's speculation Julia Gillard doesn't need and her rival has tried to put on ice - but Kevin Rudd's return to the leadership could still happen.

PRIME Minister-in-Exile Kevin Rudd is desperately trying to hose down speculation he wants his old job back. It "ain't happening" he said in typical folksy fashion, then deployed a range of metaphors to take the heat off the debate.

"A couple of weeks ago I said everyone should take a cold shower. Last Friday I said they should have an ice bath. It's time this debate was put into cryogenic storage," he said.

An interesting concept, cryogenic storage. It's a way of snap freezing something so that it can be restored, revived, at a later date.

So does Mr Rudd fancy himself, Han Solo-like, coming out of deep freeze to rescue Labor?

Kevin Rudd says he isn't interested in challenging PM Julia Gillard for the party leadership.

Does he have the patience to wait until they ask him?

Or will he just white-ant away in the background while Prime Minister Julia Gillard tries to soldier her way through to the next election?

Or are all these anonymous sources just messing around with journalists' minds?

It may seem at this point that anything could happen. There's plenty of chatter, lots of "backgrounding" going on. Lots of people with vested interests.

Julia Gillard was keeping up a brave face today, even though her polling numbers have collapsed barely six months out from the election

So let's peer into the election crystal ball and try to discern the shape of things to come.

Option 1: Ms Gillard toughs it out

Ms Gillard has shown she can hold her nerve in the face of devastating polls and internal treachery. She's resilient.

She may not have the support of the public, but at least she has the public support of most of her colleagues.

She brushed off yesterday's Nielsen poll that not only put Labor's primary vote at a pitiful 30 per cent but had Opposition Leader Tony Abbott surging past her as preferred Prime Minister.

Her language is tough. She'll ignore the polls to focus on governing, she says.

Yesterday Australian Worker's Union boss Paul Howes said she was "street tough" and had his union's backing.

Senior ministers said Mr Rudd was an asset, not a challenge to the party.

In this scenario, Ms Gillard's best hope is that Mr Abbott is somehow exposed through his policies, his perceived lack of policies, or the costings of his policies, while she just has to hold the wheel steady and try to avoid more disasters like the mining tax and hope the leadership rumblings fade away.

Option 2: Ms Gillard falls on her sword, and Mr Rudd sweeps in to rescue Labor

"If Newspoll is down to 30 like Nielsen, I think she's gone." Former senior Labor MP and political commentator Graham Richardson doesn't mince his words.

"I don't think caucus can sit by and allow that massacre," he said. He added that this would be the preferred option if next week's Newspoll echoes the Nielsen findings - Ms Gillard pulls out `voluntarily', the position's declared vacant and Mr Rudd gets his chance to step up without being seen to be knifing his knifer. He saves the day.

The election date could be pushed out to November, and they can present themselves as a reformed team who listens to the people.

This is the situation the Opposition is both afraid of and preparing for in their election campaign.

Associate Professor Haydon Manning, politics lecturer at Flinders University, points out that while this situation is looking more likely, the Labor Party must be aware of how horrendous a Liberal Party election campaign would be if Mr Rudd was back in charge after his colleagues claimed he was a "psychopath" and tore into his management style.

Option 3: Mr Rudd challenges and loses

If Ms Gillard keeps hanging on grimly, there's a small chance Mr Rudd will get impatient and launch a challenge. He doesn't have the numbers - not yet.

But there is speculation that if some of Ms Gillard's more powerful backers switch allegiances, he would risk the bloodbath that any challenge would surely be.

But if he misjudges it, and fails, would the PM then have some clear air?

It's more likely the public, which seems to be tuning out of anything Labor says, will turn off altogether at this sign of utter disfunctionality.

Mr Rudd, sources say, would be unlikely to challenge because he would have to go back on his word that he wouldn't.

He would rather be drafted in, begged to assist, and be the hero.

Option 4: Mr Rudd challenges and wins

This is a situation with two big ifs. If he challenged, and if he won, would the public forgive Labor?

While yesterday's poll showed that 61 per cent of people would love Rudd Mark II, that includes the Coalition voters who may well just love the idea of another night of the long knives.

Again, this scenario raises the spectre of a Liberal campaign that focuses on how bad Ms Gillard's supporters said Rudd was the first time around.

Then there's the question of trust. Labor's broken promise on the carbon tax means people lost faith in the party, and if Mr Rudd retakes the top job, trust becomes an issue again.

Because he promised he wouldn't have another crack.

Mr Richardson says Mr Rudd "has to be invited"; he can't just crash the party.

Option 5: Labor unites behind a mystery third option

It could be a nice narrative. Another contender, one with a clean(ish) sheet, comes out to steer the party, albeit to almost certain defeat.

It's a compromise of sorts.

The names bandied about in this scenario include frontbenchers Stephen Smith and Bill Shorten, and even former leader Simon Crean. Late yesterday, Sportingbet Australia had Mr Shorten at odds of $21.

Could Labor unite behind a fresh face, and tell a convincing story of a new party? It could be a new beginning, and Labor desperately needs a new beginning.

But then there's Mr Rudd. And Mr Rudd, as Assoc Prof Manning points out, just "doesn't go away".

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

$2100 for 30 seconds with Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr Exhibition opening at Silver K Gallery. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Herald Sun

A DISGRUNTLED Beatles fan has paid $2100 for a 30-second meeting with Ringo Starr.

Melbourne woman Briar Gunther purchased one of Starr's pricey artworks expecting a two-minute chat and photo with the former Beatle.

However Gunther said she and her father were bundled in and out of Armadale's Silver K Gallery in seconds after a quick photograph.

''If I hadn't have been told I would meet Ringo Starr, I wouldn't have bought the piece,'' Ms Gunther said.

Ringo Starr Exhibition opening at Silver K Gallery. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

''I got to meet him for a maximum of 30 seconds. I got in a hug, my dad shook his hand, two photos were taken by a photographer and we were then moved on very quickly. They were trying to kick me out of the room before I had retrieved my handbag. There were quite a few people in the room, and a lot more there than what it was described to me at the time I bought the piece.''

Colin Kaye, owner of Silver K Gallery, said nearly all of the 100 people who paid between $1600 and $5200 for Starr's artwork were happy with their experience with the Beatle.

''When you do something like this you're never going to please everyone,'' Kaye said.

Ringo Starr Exhibition opening at Silver K Gallery. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

''There were art agents, tour managers, security and minders there. The minders took control so to some degree it became a bit rushed which was very disappointing. Some clients got prime (access), but Ringo was only at the gallery for an hour-and-a-quarter so it tightened the whole thing up. The time wasn't allocated as well as it should have been unfortunately.''

Starr's proceeds go to charity the Lotus Foundation, who offer money for family and child welfare, women's issues, animal protection and addiction recovery and education.

''Ringo's only made five or six appearances worldwide for his art,'' Kaye said.

''It's very rare. All the money we pay Ringo goes to the Lotus Foundation, we're giving half our entrance fee to the foundation as well.

Gunther said many Beatles fans were happy to pay thousands just to be in the same room as Starr.

''I did not get to talk to Ringo and we were told in advance no personal photos were to be taken with him and that we could buy the professional photograph at a later date

''If we had have been warned at the door that the plans had changed and we were only getting a photo with Ringo I wouldn't have been as miffed as I was.''

Kaye said fans were told upfront Starr would not sign any memorabilia, however he signed each artwork sold at the gallery.

Canny fans who managed to meet Starr at his Melbourne hotel were told flatly by the Beatle he would not sign their albums echoing a message he posted on YouTube signifying his retirement from autographs.

''Ringo doesn't sign anything anymore,'' Kaye said.

MEET AND GREET MONEY MAKERS

Nicki Minaj: For $250 fans got a concert to her ticket and access to a meet and greet where the rapper happily signed fan's breasts. ''Boob signing'' is part of Minaj's brand.

Jennifer Lopez: Last year Australian fans paid $800 to see J-Lo's concert and briefly meet her beforehand. The packages (20 per show) sold out instantly at each concert.

New Kids on the Block: $820 got Australian New Kids fans front row seats and an individual picture with the man band.

Andre Rieu: The pensioner pin-up helped pioneer the new revenue stream when he charged cashed-up local fans $1250 to meet him backstage on his 2008 tour.

Kiss: Cashed-up Kiss fans coughed up $1500 for a VIP package for their Australian tour next month whose money shot is a Kiss autograph and photograph. Many fans use the opportunity to get Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley to sign their body, then go to a tattoo parlour to get it permanently etched on their person.

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Good Life' star Briers dies at 79

Actor Richard Briers, seen here in Monarch of the Glen, has died at the age of 79. Source: Supplied

BRITISH actor Richard Briers, an avuncular presence on TV and movie screens for decades, has died at the age of 79.

Briers' agent, Christopher Farrar, said the actor died at his London home on Sunday. A former heavy smoker, he had suffered from emphysema.

Briers starred in the 1970s sitcom The Good Life as Tom Good, a man who decides to quit the urban rat race for a life of self-sufficiency in suburbia.

The show, which contrasted the back-to-the land Goods with their conventional neighbours the Leadbetters, made stars of its core cast - Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington - and is regularly voted one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time.

Briers also starred in the comedy-drama Ever-Decreasing Circles, the Scottish Highlands drama Monarch of the Glen and a host of other shows.

In later life he became well-known for Shakespearean roles. He joined director Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance Theatre Company in 1987 after deciding, he said, that "I had gone as far as I could doing sitcoms."

This 2003 photo shows actor Richard Briers, then 69, at Buckingham Palace after receiving an award. Picture: AP

For Branagh he took on roles including King Lear, Malvolio in Twelfth Night and the buffoon Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

He also appeared in several Branagh-directed films, including Henry V, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Peter's Friends and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Other movie roles included the voice of rabbit Fiver in the much-loved animated animal feature Watership Down.

On stage, Briers was associated with the work of British comic playwright Alan Ayckbourn, playing leading roles in Relatively Speaking, Absurd Person Singular and Absent Friends.

Born January 14, 1934, Briers trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and worked consistently in theatre, film and television for more than half a century.

His latest film credit is in the recently released Cockneys Vs. Zombies.

He said he had no desire to retire, but complained in one of his final interviews that the chronic lung disease emphysema was slowing him down.

"It's totally my fault. So, I get very breathless, which is a pain in the backside," he told the Daily Mail newspaper last month.

"Trying to get upstairs... oh God, it's ridiculous. Of course, when you're bloody nearly 80 it's depressing, because you've had it anyway."

In 1989, Briers was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the arts.

Briers married the actress Anne Davies in 1956. They had two daughters.

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Gotye takes Grammys Record of the Year

Gotye and Kimbra celebrate their clean sweep at the Grammys. Source: AFP

Taylor Swift talks to Ryan Seacrest on the Grammys red carpet. Vision: E!

AUSTRALIAN artist Gotye has taken Record of the Year at the Grammys, on top of two other trophies.

Gotye took out the prestigious award for his unstoppable Somebody That I Used To Know, accepting the gong from the legendary Prince.

Wally de Backer made a clean sweep of his three nominations, making history for Australian artists at the world's biggest music awards.

Scroll down to see how the awards unfolded.

He also won Best Alternative Album and Pop Duo/Group Release.

The mild-mannered singer and songwriter looked genuinely surprised to win and even more ecstatic to be receiving the trophy from the night's biggest star Prince.

He paid tribute to his fellow musicians - both those nominated and others who didn't make the cut.

''I'm a little bit lost for words to receive the award from the man standing behind is here with the cane . . . (he's) a big reason I was inspired to make music,'' he said, referencing the diminutive Prince.

Have a look at what the stars are saying about the Grammys on Twitter

Listen to your favourite Grammy stars below.

AS IT HAPPENED: The Grammy Awards

3.23pm: Folk stars Mumford and Sons have taken out the coveted Album of The Year award, receiving it from last year's winner and fellow Brit, Adele.

Not long after they joined an all-star cast including Sir Elton John and Mavis Staples to perform The Weight in tribute of the music industry heroes who passed away in the last year.

Receiving the award for their second album Babel, the lads charmingly complemented Adele on her dress and thanked the American awards for recognising British musicians.

But Adele won yet another awards moment with her introduction.

''Most artists who have won Album Of The Year tend to have more success, embark on humungous tours - or get knocked up like last year's winner,'' she said.

Mumford & Sons members (from left) Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford and Winston Marshall perform at the Grammys. Source: AFP

2.50pm: Australian superstar Gotye has taken out the prestigious Record Of The Year at the Grammys with his unstoppable Somebody That I Used To Know, accepting the gong from the legendary Prince.

Wally de Backer made a clean sweep of his three nominations, making history for Australian artists at the world's biggest music awards.

He also won Best Alternative Album and Pop Duo/Group Release.

Gotye (left) and Kimbra accept the Record of the Year award for "Somebody That I Used to Know''. Source: Getty Images

The mild-mannered singer and songwriter looked genuinely surprised to win and even more ecstatic to be receiving the trophy from the night's biggest star Prince.

He paid tribute to his fellow musicians - both those nominated and others who didn't make the cut.

''I'm a little bit lost for words to receive the award from the man standing behind is here with the cane . . . (he's) a big reason I was inspired to make music,'' he said, referencing the diminutive Prince.

''I want to thank everybody who puts great energy into the world by making music . . . cheers.''

A handful . . . Gotye posing with two of three of his trophies. Source: AFP

A clearly emotional Kimbra gave her greatest thanks to Gotye for choosing her to sing on the song which became the world's biggest hit last year.

Gotye also singled out his loyal Australian fans after accepting the coveted Record of The Year trophy at the Los Angeles ceremony.

''I'm grateful to everyone at home for their constant support. It's been amazing and I don't take it for granted,'' he said.

''I'm particularly pleased that my album Making Mirrors has been acknowledged as well as the single. Hopefully this means there's a place for adventurous, interesting music out there - and for completely silly music too!''

Prince presenting the award for Record of the Year. Source: Supplied

2.38pm: Carrie Underwood is celebrating after winning best country solo performance for Blown Away.

Other early Grammy winners included Rihanna, Beyonce, Mumford & Sons and Taylor Swift.

Carrie Underwood went for an elegant full-length number. Source: Supplied

2.20pm: The Grammys assembled a bizarre but star-studded ensemble to pay tribute to Bob Marley with one of the highlight sets of the night.

Captivating showman Bruno Mars and his band kicked off the medley with his top 10 smash locked Out of Heaven before Sting joined in before heading into his reggae-influenced The Police classic Walking On The Moon.

Bruno Mars and Sting on stage in a tribute to Bob Marley. Source: Getty Images

Rihanna joins Bruno Mars and Sting on stage. Source: Getty Images

Chris Brown got as much camera action as his girlfriend Rihanna when she swept onto the stage with Marley's sons Ziggy and Damian for the reggae anthem Could You be Loved.

It seems the producers are more keen on following Brown's reactions to every Grammys moment than the on-stage action.

2.05pm: The Black Keys teamed with blues legend Dr John and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a roof-raising rendition of the duo's infectious rocker Lonely Boy, finally bringing some rock'n'roll to the Grammys.

Award winner Kelly Clarkson then kept it simple but stunning with her tribute to the night's outstanding achievement honorees Patti Page and Carole King before announcing the Zac Brown band as the winners of this year's Best Country Album gong.

Singer Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine. Source: Getty Images

1.59pm: The world's most powerful music man Jay-Z gave the mic over to his collaborators Frank Ocean and The Dream - in the absence of his musical partner Kanye West - when he won Best Rap Song Performance for No Church In The Wild.

After his guests made their thank yous, Jay-Z referenced the large cap worn by The Dream saying: ''I would like to thank the swap meet for his hat!''

Rihanna looked elegant in a full-length black dress when performing her latest single Stay.

Justin Timberlake (left) and rapper Jay-Z perform on stage. Source: Getty Images

Actress Jessica Biel, singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z. Source: Getty Images

1.45pm: After another more-miss-than-hit live moment from Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys, which had both singers nailing some dud notes, Kelly Clarkson was the surprise winner of the Best Pop Vocal Album.

Presented by the highly unlikely duo of American Idol judge Keith Urban and the Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco, Clarkson made the best award winner's run for the stage, getting in a kiss with her fiancé before greeting John Mayer, doing a ''we are not worthy'' bow for Katy Perry and getting stuck to Miranda Lambert's sequinned dress when she went for a quick hug.

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock in the audience. Source: Getty Images

''I am so sorry; I got stuck to Miranda Lambert. There's a story in a song for later, after alcohol,'' she joked.

''I did not think I was going to win!''

1.28pm: It was the live return followed by the award showdown everyone was waiting for.

Justin Timberlake brought the megastar glamour to the Grammys party with his much-anticipated performance of new single Suit & Tie.

Justin Timberlake performs on stage. Source: Getty Images

Broadcast in black and white in keeping with his tuxedo and big band theme, the highly-choreographed performance also featured guest rapper and music kingmaker Jay-Z who made the most casual stage entrance of all time, walking up from his front row seat where wife Beyonce and Timberlake's missus Jessica Biel cheered them on.

Timberlake was given the luxury of shifting into a new soul swinger from his upcoming album, The 20/20 Experience, which kept the audience on their feet.

Justin Timberlake performs on stage. Source: Getty Images

Most award shows insist on performers doing their hits only.

You could cut the tension with a knife as Kelly Rowland and Nas prepared to announce the inaugural winner of the new Urban Contemporary Album award which pit recent brawlers Frank Ocean and Chris Brown against each other.

(from left) Singer Justin Timberlake, actress Jessica Biel, singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z. Source: Getty Images

Ocean won with his Channel Orange album, with Brown sulking in his front row seat as the rest of the Staples Centre audience jumped to their feet.

Guess Ocean won that fight fair and square.

The pair got into it a couple of weeks ago at a LA recording studio over a parking spot.

Adele giving Chris Brown daggers for not standing when his rival Frank Ocean won a Grammy? @mxmelbourne pic.twitter.com/fYSYnMov Source: Supplied

Frank Ocean has beaten Chris Brown for the Urban Contemporary Album award. Source: AFP

1.20pm: Skrillex won best dance recording for Bangarang, featuring Sirah, best dance/electronica album for Bangarang and best remixed recording.

''Let's keep making music,'' he said.

''... We're a big family. We're a big community. We support music and forward-thinking ideas here.''

Skrillex, left, winner of the awards for best dance/electronica album "Bangarang," best remixed recording non-classical song for "Promises" and best dance recording "Bangarang," and Sirah pose backstage with the award for best dance recording "Bangarang''. Source: AP

1pm:  Imminent Australian tourists fun. have claimed Song Of The Year, which recognises the songwriters of the year's hit singles, with their Australian No.1, We Are Young, which featured guest vocalist Janelle Monae.

''I don't know what I was thinking writing the chorus for this song,'' frontman Nate Ruess said, who will play Future Music festival next month

''This is HD; everyone can see our faces and we are not very young - we have been doing this for 12 years.''

The Grammys desperately tried for rock credibility by enlisting the Keith Richards-channelling Johnny Depp to introduce the decidedly unrock Mumford and Sons as their folk hit I Will Wait.

Singer Nate Ruess of fun. performs onstage at the Grammys. Source: Getty Images

12.57pm:  Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl took over Chelsea Handler's show. WATCH BELOW

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl taking over Chelsea Handler's show. Vision: E!

12.53pm:  Kate Perry spoke to Ryan Seacrest about plans for her new album.

Katy Perry talks to Ryan Seacrest about plans for her new album. Vision: E!

Kate Perry went green for the event. Source: AP

12.50pm: The show's energy has dropped faster than a metal album after chart debut with vibe-free performances from fun., Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley and Wiz Khalifa and Miguel.

Carrie Underwood proved a popular winner of the Best Country Solo Performance, thanking the Lord and country music community for their support.

12.38pm:  The lovelorn Taylor Swift kicked off music's biggest night with an Alice In Wonderland inspired rendition of her chart-topper We're Never Ever Getting Back Together.

She is one of the nominees Gotye will have to knock out to win the Record Of The Year later in a few hours.

 

Taylor Swift performs at the Staples Center. Source: Getty Images

12.30am: Stepping on stage to present the first award with her mate Pitbull, JLo joked about the waist-high Angelina-Jolie-challenging split in her black jersey dress.

''As you can see, I read the memo,'' she joked, with Pitbull answering: ''You inspired the memo!'' referencing that infamous Versace dress.

Singers Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull on stage. Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez did an Angelina Jolie in a high-thigh slit dress. Source: Getty Images

The pair presented Best Pop Solo Performance to the perpetually-surprised Adele for her live rendition of Set Fire To The Rain.

Adele gave Rihanna a big kiss before taking the stage.

Chris Brown and Rihanna get cosy. Source: Getty Images

''I want to say massive big love to the girls - we work so hard and we make it look so easy,'' she said in tribute to her fellow nominees.

Adele accepts Best Pop Solo Performance for "Set Fire to the Rain (Live)". Source: Getty Images

12.18pm: Sir Elton John has been the go-to piano man for poignant Grammys moments - remember his turn with Eminem on Stan in 2001 - and he joined the unstoppable Ed Sheeran for this year's awards.

The pair performed a piano and acoustic guitar version of Sheeran's haunting hit The A Team at the Rocket Man's request.

Grammy Awards 2013: Beyonce, Katie Perry, Bonnie McKee, Florence Welsh and Taylor Swift Source: Getty Images

12.12pm: Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys is not such a lonely boy after all.

The singer-guitarist took the early lead at the Grammy Awards, picking up three trophies and assisting with a fourth during the pre-telecast show.

Auerbach won Producer of the Year and Best Rock Song for Lonely Boy and Rock Album for El Camino with his bandmate Patrick Carney, joining electronic dance music innovator Skrillex atop the early leaderboard.

He was also producer for another winner, Dr John.

Musicians Dan Auerbach (left) and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys accept the Best Rock Album Award for "El Camino". Source: Getty Images

Dan Auerbach accepts the Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical Award onstage. Source: Getty Images

12.05pm: Taylor Swift has arrived wearing a flowing ivory J. Mendel gown.

The country pop star told Ryan Seacret she hopes she ''doesn't nerve out and freak out'' opening the show.

Singer Taylor Swift. Source: AFP

11.43am: Beach Boy founder Brian Wilson won a Grammy, but said the iconic 60s band would probably not get back together, after last year's 50th anniversary reunion.

''I doubt it, no, I don't think so,'' the frail-looking veteran star told reporters backstage, after winning the Grammy for best historical album for The Smile Sessions from 2011.

The 70-year-old, who has long suffered with health problems, looked extremely weak as he was helped on stage during the Grammys pre-show to receive the Grammy for 2011 album, The Smile Sessions.

He had to sit down during the backstage interview, and did so again in a corridor between media appearances.

A Grammys source told reporters that he had recently had back surgery.

The legendary California surf band reunited to sing Good Vibrations at last year's Grammys show, the first time they had played together live for over two decades.

Musician Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys (centre) and co-producers (back row, L-R) Dennis Wolfe, Mark Linett and Alan Boyd pose with the Best Historical Album award for "The SMiLE Sessions. Source: Getty Images

11.35am: After he missed strutting the red carpet with his wife Nicole Kidman for the recent SAG Awards while he toured Australia, Grammys presenter Keith Urban was back on the awards red carpet with his wife.

The American Idol judge joked that his wife was desperate to know which contestants went through as they watched the audition episode during their recent visit back home.

''We were watching the shows in Australia. Nic would be like, 'Does he go through? Oh no, you should have put that person through!', '' Urban said.

Australia's pride, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Source: Getty Images

11.26am: Jennifer Lopez is treading on a thin line after the Grammys issued a ''wardrobe advisory'' in the lead up to the event.

The American-Latino songstress/actor/dancer has shown up in a black number with a thigh-high split reminiscent of that worn by Angelina Jolie at the Academy Awards last year.

Asked about the ''no breasts, no buttocks'' Grammys memo on CBS, JLo cheekily replied: ''They didn't say anything about leg!''

Jennifer Lopez during an interview on the red carpet woth CBS. Picture: Twitter/BuzzFeed Source: Supplied

11.10am: He's done it!  Gotye has created Grammy history, already picking up two trophies ahead of the televised awards.

The Australian sonic architect has proven the bookies and fans right by taking out the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with his duet partner Kimbra for Somebody That I Used To Know.

Gotye, left, and Kimbra accept the award for best pop duo/group performance for "Somebody That I Used to Know". Source: AP

Wally De Backer's acclaimed album Making Mirrors also took out the Best Alternative Music release award.

He is the first Australian artist this century to win mutliple Grammys for the same release.

The Australian global chartslayer beat out some of the biggest names in the music world to take out the duet performance gong, heading off fellow No.1 stars Fun with Janelle Monae, Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa, LMFAO and Florence & The Machine.

His competition for the Alternative trophy was the cream of respected songwriters including Fiona Apple, Tom Waits, M83 and Tom Waits.

Gotye will also contest the Record Of The Year later in the awards, in contention to become the first Australian to win the covetred prize since Olivia Newton John in 1975 with her breakthrough hit I Honestly Love You.

Gotye and Kimbra arrive at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center. Source: AFP

11.04am: Bad boy Chris Brown has showed up in a white suit for the occasion.

He is not up for an award but his on-again, off-again , on-again girlfriend Rihanna is.

She was nowhere in sight when brown steppe don the red carpet.

US singer Chris Brown. Source: Getty Images

10.55am: It wouldn't be the red carpet without an appearance by a model or two. 

Alexa Chung  has arrived on the red carpet adding some English flavour to the US-dominated event.

English model Alexa Chung. Source: Supplied

10.35am: His sexy and he knows it . . . big-haired Redfoo of LMFAO has arrived on the red carpet - fortunately not just in his undies. The American is up for a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the hugely popular and very naughty Sexy and I Know It.

Musician Redfoo of LMFAO. Source: Getty Images

10.20am: Australian muso Gotye has arrived at the Staples Center together with his duet partner, New Zealander Kimbra. Gotye's Making Mirrors is in the running for a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and Record of the Year for Somebody That I Used To Know.

Gotye and Kimbra strutt their stuff on the red carpet. Source: Getty Images

10am: American electro house musician Steve Hiroyuki Aoki has arrived to find out if he will pick up the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album. Aoki is up against some stiff competition with the ever popular Chemical Brothers also up for the award.

Steve Hiroyuki Aoki is all smiles arriving at the Grammys red carpet. Source: Supplied

9.45am: Canadian artist Carly Rae Jepsen is among the first to arrive  at the Staples Center. The brunette beauty is vying for a Grammy for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for the highly-catchy Call Me Maybe.

Canadian Carly Rae Jepsen arriving on the red carpet. Source: Getty Images

Earlier, she tweeted a photo of how she was getting ready for the big night.

Carly Rae Jepsen gets ready for the 2013 Grammy Awards. Photo: @carlyraejepsen, Twitter Source: Supplied

8am: Stars have been spending hours getting dressed for the event, like singer Bonnie McKee, who posted this picture on Twitter.

Singer Bonnie McKee gets all frocked up for the Grammy Awards. Photo: @BonnieMcKee, Twitter Source: Supplied

Music's night of nights will include performances from Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Taylor Swift.

If the bookies and the rookies are right, Gotye will be grabbing two Grammys today.

Newly influential streaming service Spotify has predicted the Australian sonic architect should take out the hotly contested Record Of The Year with Somebody That I Used To Know after analysing its users' music choices.

According to the data, the man known as Wally de Backer on his credits will also pick up the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with his duet partner Kimbra.

Spotify relied their prediction on the quantity of plays received by Grammy nominated artists but the awards aren't publicly voted so the choices of music fans are unlikely to sway industry opinion.

Gotye has taken a low-key approach to the music industry's biggest awards night, holidaying in India before heading to Los Angeles.

The music player, which launched in Australia last year, also reckons British folkers Mumford & Sons to take out the coveted Album of The Year prize with their sophomore release Babel, beating out The Black Keys, Jack White, Frank Ocean and Fun.

Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford, 'Country' Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane of Mumford & Sons arrive at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Local online betting agency, sportsbet.com.au also has Gotye as favourite to win Record Of The Year, priced at $2.10.

The Grammys festivities kick off in the early hours of the morning with the annual MusicCares Person Of The Year celebration in honour of Bruce Springsteen.

That charity concert will feature a who's who of rock to perform in tribute of the Wrecking Ball legend including Neil Young, Ben Harper, Elton John, Patti Smith, Eddie Vedder, Sting, Mavis Staples and Mumford & Sons.

The red carpet action starts at 10am today (AEDT) followed by the awards at noon with Justin Timberlake, Jack White, Rihanna, The Black Keys and Taylor Swift slated to perform and Beyonce, Johnny Depp, Prince, Dave Grohl and Keith Urban among the presenters.

And the nominees are:

Album of the Year
» The Black Keys - El Camino
» Fun. - Some Nights
» Mumford & Sons - Babel
» Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
» Jack White - Blunderbuss

Record of the Year
» The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"
» Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger"
» Fun. feat. Janelle Monae - "We Are Young"
» Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know"
» Frank Ocean - "Thinkin Bout You"
» Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

Best New Artist
» The Alabama Shakes
» Fun.
» Hunter Hayes
» The Lumineers
» Frank Ocean

Best Pop Vocal Album
» Kelly Clarkson - Stronger
» Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials
» Fun. - Some Nights
» Maroon 5 - Overexposed
» Pink - The Truth About Love

Song of the Year
» Ed Sheeran - "The A Team"
» Miguel - "Adorn"
» Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe"
» Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
» Fun. - "We Are Young"

Best Pop Solo Performance
» Adele - "Set Fire to the Rain (Live)"
» Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
» Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe"
» Katy Perry - "Wide Awake"
» Rihanna - "Where Have You Been"

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
» Florence and the Machine - "Shake It Out"
» Fun. - "We Are Young"
» Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know"
» LMFAO - "Sexy and I Know It"
» Maroon 5 - "Payphone"

Best Dance Recording
» Avicii - "Levels"
» Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo - "Let's Go"
» Skrillex feat. Sirah - "Bangarang"
» Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin - "Don't You Worry Child"
» Al Walser - "I Can't Live Without You"

Best Dance/Electronic Album
» Steve Aoki - Wonderland
» The Chemical Brothers Don't Think
» deadmau5>Album Title Goes Here<
» Kaskade Fire & Ice
» Skrillex Bangarang

Best Rock Performance
» Alabama Shakes - "Hold On"
» The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"
» Coldplay - "Charlie Brown"
» Mumford & Sons - "I Will Wait"
» Bruce Springsteen - "We Take Care of Our Own"

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance
» Anthrax - "I'm Alive"
» Halestorm - "Love Bites (So Do I)"
» Iron Maiden - "Blood Brothers"
» Lamb of God - "Ghost Walking"
» Marilyn Manson - "No Reflection"
» Megadeth - "Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)"

Best Rock Song
» Jack White - "Freedom at 21"
» Mumford & Sons - "I Will Wait"
» The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"
» Muse - "Madness"
» Bruce Springsteen - "We Take Care of Our Own"

Best Rock Album
» The Black Keys, El Camino
» Muse, The 2nd Law
» Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto
» Bruce Springsteen, Wrecking Ball
» Jack White, Blunderbuss

Best Alternative Music Album
» Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
» Bjork, Biophilia
» Gotye, Making Mirrors
» M83, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
» Tom Waits, Bad As Me

Best R&B Performance
» Estelle - "Thank You"
» Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Ledisi - "Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)
» Luke James - "I Want You"
» Miguel - "Adorn"
» Usher - "Climax"

Best Traditional R&B Performance
» Anita Baker - "Lately"
» Beyonce - "Love on Top"
» Melanie Fiona - "Wrong Side of a Love Song"
» Gregory Porter - "Real Good Hands"
» SWV - "If Only You Knew"

Best Urban Contemporary Album
» Chris Brown, Fortune
» Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream
» Frank Ocean, Channel Orange

Best R&B Album
» Robert Glasper Experiment, Black Radio
» Anthony Hamilton, Back To Love
» R. Kelly, Write Me Back
» Tamia, Beautiful Surprise
» Tyrese, Open Invitation

Best Rap Performance
» Drake feat. Lil' Wayne - "HYFR (Hell Ya F---ing Right)"
» Jay-Z & Kanye West - "N---as In Paris"
» Nas - "Daughters"
» Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz - "Mercy"
» Young Geezy feat. Jay-Z & Andre 3000 - "I Do"

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
» Flo Rida feat. Sia - "Wild Ones"
» Jay-Z & Kanye West feat. Frank Ocean & The-Dream - "No Church in the Wild"
» John Legend feat. Ludacris - "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)"
» Nas feat. Amy Whinehouse - "Cherry Wine"
» Rihanna feat. Jay-Z - "Talk That Talk"

Best Rap Song
» Nas - "Daughters"
» Wale feat. Miguel - "Lotus Flower Bomb"
» Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz - "Mercy"
» Drake feat. Lil' Wayne - "The Motto"
» Jay-Z & Kanye West - "N---as In Paris"
» Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Featuring Bruno Mars - "Young, Wild & Free"

Best Rap Album
» Drake, Take Care
» Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1
» The Roots, Undun
» Nas, Life Is Good
» Rick Ross, God Forgives, I Don't
» 2 Chainz, Based on a T.R.U. Story

Best Country Song
» Carrie Underwood - "Blown Away"
» Ronnie Dunn -"Cost of Livin' "
» Eli Young Band - "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
» Alan Jackson - "So You Don't Have to Love Me Anymore"
» Eric Church - "Springsteen"

Best Country Solo Performance
» Dierks Bentley - "Home"
» Eric Church - "Springsteen"
» Ronnie Dunn - "Cost of Livin' "
» Hunter Hayes - "Wanted"
» Blake Shelton - "Over"
» Carrie Underwood - "Blown Away"

Best Americana Album
» The Avett Brothers, The Carpenter
» John Fullbright, From the Ground Up
» The Lumineers, The Lumineers
» Mumford & Sons, Babel
» Bonnie Raitt, Slipstream

Best Blues Album
» Shemekia Copeland, 33 1/3
» Dr. John, Locked Down
» Ruthie Foster, Let It Burn
» Heritage Blues Orchestra, And I Still Rise
» Joan Osborne, Bring It on Home

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