Oscars 2012 | Show

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ever-popular red carpet couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive on Sunday.   (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz engage in a bit of playful runway glamour while presenting awards.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Octavia Spencer, right, is congratulated by “The Help” cast mate Viola Davis on the way to the stage to accept the award for supporting actor.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ben Stiller‘s comic goofball sensibilities rub off on Emma Stone, who essentially stops the show with a stream of off-the-wall presenting gags before actually presenting the Oscar for visual effects.   (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Onetime Oscar host Chris Rock returns as presenter of the award for animated feature film.  (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Acrobats flip during a movie-themed performance by Cirque du Soleil in the midst of the 84th Academy Awards show.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Percussionist Sheila E is a member of the band at the Academy Awards show.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. pause for a chat.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The “In Memoriam” segment of the Academy Awards featured Esperanza Spalding and the Southern California Children’s Chorus singing the classic “What A Wonderful World” so strongly associated with Louis Armstrong.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Christopher Plummer, 82, became the oldest Oscar winner in history when he was awarded for his supporting performance in “Beginners.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Meryl Streep mixes humor with emotion as she accepts the lead actress award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Composer Ludovic Bource accepts the original score Oscar for “The Artist.”  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Jean Dujardin is awarded for his leading role in “The Artist.” “I love your country!” the French actor announces.  (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The stage inside the Hollywood & Highland venue is alive with images during presentation of the visual effects Oscar. Ben Stiller and Emma Stone are the presenters.  (Robyn Beck / Getty Images)