The stage at the Hollywood & Highland Center is set for the 84th Academy Awards, after a long conversion of the theater from its usual setup for Cirque du Soleil's "Iris."

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Billy Crystal opens the 84th Academy Awards.

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Rose Byrne, left, and Melissa McCarthy revive the "Bridesmaids" cast's tradition of drinking whenever "Scorsese" is said, a joke the public was introduced to at the SAG Awards.

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"Bridesmaids" costars Wendi McLendon-Covey, left, Ellie Kemper, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne present awards.

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Ben Stiller and Emma Stone present an award.

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Milla Jovovich at the 84th Academy Awards.

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Angelina Jolie presents the award for adapted screenplay.

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Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz announce a winner.

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Chris Rock jokes about how doing animation is easy before presenting an award.

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Christopher Plummer accepts the supporting actor Academy Award for his performance in "Beginners." He said that Oscar is only two years older than him and asked his statuette where it had been all his life.

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Tom Hanks, right, presents the Oscar for cinematography to Robert Richardson for his work on "Hugo."

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Natalie Portman, who won the lead actress Oscar last year for her performance in "Black Swan," presents the Academy Award for lead actor.

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Billy Crystal hosted the Oscars for the ninth time.

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Jessica Chastain, left, and Viola Davis congratulate Octavia Spencer, right, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

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Zach Galifianakis, left, and Will Ferrell play cymbals in a comedy bit while presenting the Oscar for original song.

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Cirque du Soleil members perform during the Oscars telecast.

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A Cirque du Soleil troupe performs.

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A Cirque du Soleil troupe performs.

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A Cirque du Soleil troupe performs.

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An image of Elizabeth Taylor is seen during the in memoriam segment.

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An image of Gilbert Cates is seen during the in memoriam segment.

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Meryl Streep accepts her Oscar for lead actress for her performance as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." It is her second win in the category and third overall.

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Jean Dujardin accepts his Oscar for lead actor. It was one of five wins for "The Artist."

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Jean Dujardin walks off the Oscar stage with his award and "The Artist" costar Uggie.

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Michel Hazanavicius, who won the director Oscar, speaks after "The Artist" won best picture. That statuette went to producer Thomas Langmann, left. Composer Ludovic Bource, right, won for original score.

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