Rediff Entertainment Bureau

Mel Gibson, Oscar winner for Braveheart announces the award for Best Direction at the 74th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

Ron Howard wins the award for spearheading A Beautiful Mind. He says, "I am not a good enough actor any more to make this moment that I have imagined over the years and played it over a thousand times [live for you]. It's pretty simple, really. I'm greatful for this [award]. Before my mom passed away, about 18 months ago, she predicted I would win this award. She also said that about every other movie I have made. So that tells you about my mom.

"Thank you Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Without your creative energy and commitment, this would not have been possible."

Howard also thanks, importantly, Dr John Forbes Nash Jr and his wife Alicia, the mathematical genius on whose life A Beautiful Mind is based.

He also wins the Oscar for Best Picture along with Brian Gazer, for whom receiving this award is personal and a "miracle". Oscar winner Tom Hanks gives away the award.

Gazer confesses he is "nervous", though it is "imperceptible." He adds, "We wouldn't be here [if it were not for Russell Crowe]. His amazing dedication has got us here." Gazer thanks John Nash Jr and his wife Alicia for changing the way "we look at love."

The 74th Academy Awards comes to an end. Whoopi Goldberg pays fitting tribute (to the New York City police department and the fire-fighters of September 11), in a red cape emblazoned with the letters FDNY (Fire Department of New York) and NYPD (New York Police Department).

"It's time for the mud-slinging to start for Oscars 75!"