Josh Brolin, who was overlooked by Oscar for last year's "No Country for Old Men, " received his first Oscar nomination.

CNN: 'Benjamin Button' hooks 13 Oscar nominations

Jason Robards, 77, best known for his Oscar-winning roles in All The President's Men and Julia, was praised by Clinton for his "inner fire" while he paid tribute to Judith Jamison's "towering grace".

BBC: Connery and Wonder honoured

The trio proved to be box-office gold: They were two of the highest-grossing films of their time, winning a slew of awards -- including a best picture Oscar for the latter, a tale of con men in 1930s Chicago.

CNN: Paul Newman dies at 83

Last year's winner Slumdog Millionaire went on to win the Oscar for best picture and the previous year, the Coen brother's No Country For Old Men did the same.

BBC: Avatar, Star Trek and District 9 lead award shortlist

And as the collective eye has adjusted to some of the distressed looks that seemed so revolutionary then, leading designers of the day, including Vivienne Westwood, who with partner Malcolm McLaren put naked men on shirts that gave literal meaning to graphic Ts, have since designed Oscar gowns for the likes of Helen Mirren.

WSJ: Punk finds its place in hallowed halls of Met