'Slumdog' tops Oscars

February 22, 2009 "Slumdog Millionaire," a rags-to-riches tale on screen and off, provided a triumphant fairy-tale ending to the 81st Annual Academy Awards on Sunday night when it was crowned best picture. The $14 million indie movie that fought an uphill battle to win international recognition and nearly $160 million in worldwide grosses took home eight awards in all, including best director honors for filmmaker Danny Boyle. Kate Winslet, named best actress for "The Reader," provided a shot of glamour, while "Milk's" best actor winner Sean Penn and the movie's winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black delivered impassioned speeches on behalf of gay rights.

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