Best & Worst: Oscars 2009

Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Although he ended his speech preaching to the choir about California's Prop. 8, best actor winner Sean Penn started off with a cheerful greeting to "You Commie, homo-loving sons-of-a-gun" and acknowledged that "I know how hard I make it to appreciate me ... often." Graciously welcoming fellow nominee Mickey Rourke "back into the ring" only added to the impression that Jeff Spicoli might be mellowing. It's about time. Related: 'Slumdog' strikes it rich with 8 Oscar wins Related: 2009 Oscar scorecard Related: Gallery: Oscar arrivals Related: Gallery: Red Carpet Rewind: Oscars 2009 Related: Review: The Oscars show itself was puttin' on the fritz Related: 'Slumdog,' Winslet and Penn: No surprises at the Kodak Related: For Heath Ledger, a bittersweet salute Related: Big Picture: Not exactly an enchanted evening