For the writing awards, Steve Martin and Tina Fey turn up, with a big script being typed behind them. This Oscars is just bursting with new ideas, isn't it? But they're pretty funny. A sample: Tina: "It has been said that to write is to live forever." Steve: "The man who wrote that is dead." And another: Tina gazes at Steve, who interrupts himself mid-sentence with a stern "DON'T fall in love with me." So why did we need the big script and the typing? In reading the nominees, they introduce each with a tiny excerpt from its screenplay, which is very nice; a reminder of the art they're honoring.

Original screenplay winner: Dustin Lance Black, for "Milk," who looks very young and very thrilled. He thanks his "beautiful mother" and ends his speech with a rallying cry for gay rights, inspired by the subject of his film.

Adapted screenplay winner: SImon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire." He acknowledges the nove the film is based on, "Q & A," by Vikas Swarup. I'm going to have to read that.