Kathryn Bigelow makes Oscar history

Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director award beating ex-husband James Cameron´s 3-D epic ´Avatar´.

Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director award at last night's Oscars (07.03.10).

The film-maker beat ex-husband James Cameron's 3-D epic 'Avatar' to claim the prestigious honour for Iraq war movie 'The Hurt Locker', which took home a further five awards including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

She said: "It's the moment of a lifetime. And thanks got to my fellow nominees who have inspired me for decades."

Speaking before the ceremony, Cameron paid to tribute to his former spouse, saying: "I've extolled her virtues to the world and supported her as a film-maker. I'd be tremendously proud if she won."

Sandra Bullock was named Best Actress for her role in 'The Blind Side', beating Meryl Streep, Dame Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan and Gabourey Sidibe.

Looking stunning in a silver gown, the 45-year-old beauty - who played Southern matriarch Leigh Anne Tuohy in the film - dedicated the award "to the mums who take care of the babies and children no matter where they come from.

"To that trailblazer... I thank my mother so much for this opportunity that I share with these extraordinary women."

Jeff Bridges triumphed in the Best Actor category for playing a hard-living country singer in 'Crazy Heart'.

The 60-year-old star - who was up against George Clooney, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner and Colin Firth - said: "Thank you mum and dad for turning me on to such a groovy profession. This is honouring them as much as it is me."

Best Supporting Actor went to 'Inglourious Basterds' star Christoph Waltz, while Mo'Nique triumphed in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire'.

She said: "I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics."

Critically acclaimed 3-D film 'Up', also shortlisted in the Best Picture category, won Best Animation.

The awards - which were held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood - were hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, becoming the first dual hosts in 23 years.

Main 2010 Oscar Winners:

Best Picture - 'The Hurt Locker'

Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow - 'The Hurt Locker'

Best Actor - Jeff Bridges - 'Crazy Heart'

Best Actress - Sandra Bullock 'The Blind Side'

Best Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique - 'Precious...'

Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz 'Inglourious Basterds'

Best Original Screenplay - Mark Boal 'The Hurt Locker'

Best Animation - 'Up'