Jeff Bridges, Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett Win Oscars for 'Crazy Heart'
Jeff Bridges' and singer-songwriters Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett were winners Sunday night (March 7) at the 82nd annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. All three were presented Oscars for their work on Crazy Heart.
Bridges was named best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Bad Blake, a faded country music star. Bingham and Burnett shared the award for original song of the year for "The Weary Kind," the film's theme. Bridges, Bingham and Burnett all won in similar categories during the recent Golden Globe Award. It was the first Oscar for all three, although it was Bridges' fifth nomination since his first in 1971 for The Last Picture Show.
In accepting his award, Bridges thanked his family and numerous supporters. He specifically cited Burnett and the late singer-songwriter-guitarist Stephen Bruton for their efforts in Crazy Heart for "bringing all that great music and all those wonderful musicians to the party." Bruton, who was a member of Kris Kristofferson's band for more than 40 years, died of complications from cancer in May 2009 after completing work on the soundtrack.
Bingham also cited Bruton in his acceptance speech for the original song award. "The Weary Kind" prevailed over songs featured in Paris 36 and Nine, along with two compositions Randy Newman wrote for the Disney animated film, The Princess and the Frog.
Additionally, Sandra Bullock was named best actress in a leading role for her work in The Blind Side, a film that also starred Tim McGraw. McGraw and Bullock portrayed Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy in the film inspired by the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless black teenager who became an offensive tackle for the University of Mississippi's football team after being befriended by a wealthy family. The Blind Side was also nominated for best motion picture, a category claimed by The Hurt Locker.
The Iraq War drama The Hurt Locker, a drama set in war-torn Iraq, won a total of six Oscars, including a best director prize for Kathryn Bigelow, who became the first female to win the best director award.