(NECN/NBC News: Stephanie Stanton, Hollywood, Calif.) - No one film dominated the Academy Awards, but several scored big wins.....including a Best Picture victory for a film based on real life historical events.
The Academy Awards' biggest prize went to Ben Affleck's thriller about the 1979 rescue of American hostages from Iran.
"I thank everyone in the movie, on the movie, who worked on the movie, who did anything with this movie gets thanks!" Affleck exclaimed during his acceptance speech.
Affleck produced, directed and starred in the film, which won three Oscars - including best adapted screenplay.
"Life of Pi" actually went "Argo" one better. It won four awards, including Best Director for Ang Lee, beating out among others, "Lincoln" Director Steven Spielberg.
"Lincoln" did make some movie history. Its star, Daniel Day Lewis, became the first three time winner for Best Actor.
"My fellow nominees, my equals, my bettors, I'm so proud to have been included one amongst you," he said during his acceptance speech.
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Winning an Oscar for the first time was Jennifer Lawrence. The "Silver Linings Playbook" star took a stumble up the stairs on her way to claiming the prize for Best Actress.
"You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell and that's really embarassing, but thank you!" she exclaimed.
On a night when the Academy spread the wealth, "Django Unchained" brought Christoph Waltz his second Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. While the film's director, Quentin Tarantino, also won his second for best original screenplay.
And two years after co- hosting the Oscars, Anne Hathaway was back to win one, earning Best Supporting Actress for "Les Miserables".
After the show, the stars celebrated at the governor's ball and many of the Hollywood after parties.
As for first time Host Seth MacFarlane, the jury is still out. He did manage to get a few laughs, but reviews on his performance have been mixed.
