In quotes: Oscars 2009

Here are some of the most notable quotes from the 81st Academy Awards, which have been held at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

" I did not expect this and I want it to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often. " Sean Penn on winning best actor for Milk

" I'd be lying if I haven't made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror and this would have been a shampoo bottle. Well it's not a shampoo bottle now. " Kate Winslet picking up her best actress Oscar.

" My kids are too old to remember this now but, when they were much younger, I swore to them if this miracle ever happened, I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, and that's what that was. " Slumdog Millionaire's Danny Boyle on bouncing up and down as he accepted his best director award.

" This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers within an industry he so loved. " Heath Ledger's father, Kim, picking up his late son's best supporting actor Oscar for The Dark Knight.

" There are certain places you never imagine standing - the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium and here. " Slumdog Millionaire writer Simon Beaufoy on winning best adapted screenplay.

" If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he'd want me to say to all those gay and lesbian kids out there tonight - who have been told that they are less than by their churches, by the government, or by their families - that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures that are valued. " Winning original screenplay writer Dustin Lance Black on his story's protagonist, Harvey Milk.

" It's not going to be 45 seconds, I can say that right now. Has anybody ever fainted here because I might be the first one. " Best supporting actress Penelope Cruz on suggested acceptance speech lengths.

" The Academy loves to salute range… Robert Downey Jnr in Tropic Thunder. Robert, who's an American, played an Australian playing an African-American. Nominated. Whereas me, I'm an Australian who played an Australian in a movie called Australia. Hosting. " Australia star and Oscars host Hugh Jackman.

" We don't see this world most of the time - we get a glimpse of it in England. But after, I'll be going home, having a cup of tea and we're looking forward to that just as much as we're looking forward to tonight. " Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle on enjoying the best of both worlds.

" It's bittersweet. I said to myself I'd rather have Loki for another two years than an Oscar and I told her that. But she stayed as long as she could, you know. " The Wrestler star and best actor nominee Mickey Rourke on losing his dog.

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