79th annual Academy Awards winners announced February 25

Information compiled by Lauren Hargarten and Rebecca Souther

The first Academy awards were held at the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in 1929 at a private dinner with 250 people attending. The awards gained popularity, and the following year it was broadcasted on the radio. Every January since then, the Academy Awards have been held, honoring the best of the best in the filmmaking business. Each year, there can be up to 25 categories, with a maximum of five nominations each. The nominees are voted on a secret ballot, with the winner not being revealed until the opening of the infamous envelope on the night of the awards.

Best Motion Picture: "The Departed"

Best Director: Martin Scorsese- "The Departed"

Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson-"Dreamgirls"

Best Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin-"Little Miss Sunshine"

Best Actor: Forest Whitaker-"The Last King of Scotland"

Best Actress: Helen Mirren
-"The Queen"

By Stephanie Axelrod |  March 23, 2007; 8:07 AM ET
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