As was mildly predictable, the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' swept the Oscars last night, taking a total of eight Academy Awards, including two music awards.
Composer AR Rahman won the gong for Best Original Score, and the honour for Best Song. As previously reported, Rahman had two songs nominated in the latter category, 'O Saya' which was co-written by MIA, and 'Jai Ho', co-written with Indian lyricist and poet Gulzar, which was the winner on the night. Rahman said: "God is great - thank you! The essence of the film is about optimism. All of my life I've had a choice of hate and love, and I've chosen love - and I'm here".
Rahman performed his tracks as part of the three song medley celebrating the Best Song category, unlike Peter Gabriel, who, as previously reported, dropped out of performing his track, 'Down To Earth' from Best Animated Feature winner Wall-E, because he wasn't happy with the minute long time slot allocated. Gabriel did, however, attend the event.
Other musical performances on the night included selections of the music nominated in the Best Original Score category, played by the Academy Awards orchestra, a Baz Luhrmann directed tribute to film musicals, and a rendition by Queen Latifah of 'I'll Be Seeing You', during the traditional 'parade of the dead' (as I like to call it) montage.