Academy Awards 2011: Behind the scenes

Nominees and their plus ones sit front and center at the show.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway take the stage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“Country Strong” star Gwyneth Paltrow with friends backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Oscar producers Don Mischer, left, and Bruce Cohen walk and talk.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Host and nominee James Franco pauses for a picture with Oscar producer Bruce Cohen.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Halle Berry on the move.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter Robert Downey Jr. checks his notes.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Supporting actress winner Melissa Leo in the spotlight.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Melissa Leo shares a moment with Kirk Douglas onstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Melissa Leo takes the winners’ walk backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Hudson watches the ceremony on television.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Jake Gyllenhaal stops for a snapshot with Robert Downey Jr.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Lead actress winner Natalie Portman walks hand in hand with fiance Benjamin Millipied.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“Arthur” stars Russell Brand and Helen Mirren share a moment backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Audrey Marrs and Charles Ferguson win for documentary for “Inside Job.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem, who starred together in “No Country for Old Men,” present onstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Sorkin wins the Oscar for adapted screenplay for “The Social Network.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“King’s Speech” writer David Seidler wins the award for original screenplay.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Susanne Bier wins for foreign language film for “In a Better World.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Christian Bale accepts the supporting actor award for “The Fighter.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Reese Witherspoon and Christian Bale backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross accept the award for original score for their work on “The Social Network.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Rick Baker, left, and Dave Elsey win an Oscar for achievement in makeup.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Supporting actress nominee Amy Adams.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter Cate Blanchett of “Robin Hood” gives Rick Baker and Dave Elsey their Oscar for achievement in makeup.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“Casino Jack’s” Kevin Spacey introduces “Tangled” stars Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Mandy Moore, the voice of Rapunzel in “Tangled.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter and media magnate Oprah Winfrey backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“The Social Network’s”Justin Timberlake backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The 2006 lead actress Oscar winnerReese Witherspoon and this year’s winner for actor in a supporting roleChristian Bale backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Lead actress nominee Annette Bening backstage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Statuettes backstage at the 83rd Academy Awards.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Hilary Swank watches from the back.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“The King’s Speech” director Tom Hooper and writer David Seidler celebrate their big wins.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Natalie Portman pauses before heading to the stage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Natalie Portman wins for lead actress for her role in “Black Swan.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Colin Firth heads to the stage.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Colin Firth wins lead actor for his role in “The King’s Speech.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway share an embrace.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)