But then, as always, the spectacular scale of the ceremony made sure it had its moments. Here are this year's finest:

Marty at the boys club

'Could you double-check the envelope, please?' 8-time Oscar nominee Martin Scorsese was finally honoured with the Best Director prize, minutes before The Departed also scooped up Best Film -- and was justifiably overwhelmed.

Clustered around Marty stood Hollywood's biggest directors, (left-right) Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Spielberg and Coppola spoke about how good it is to win the Best Director award, riffing on Lucas who had only managed 'a couple of nominations.'

The Departed has been internationally hailed as Scorsese's return to form, the gripping crime drama winning 4 out of 5 nominations. The director and his comrades (with Coppola in a distinctive bright blue bowtie) made for a fantastic, old-world moment.

"I just want to say too that so many people over the years have been wishing this for me," said Marty. "Strangers. You know, I went walking in the street, people say something to me. I go in a doctor's office, I go in a... Whatever, elevators. People saying, "You should win one, you should win one." I go for an X-Ray, "you should win one." I'm saying, "thank you." Friends of mine over the years and friends who are here tonight are wishing this for me and my family, I thank you. This is for you."

Don't Miss: Video spotlight on Martin Scorsese's The Departed

Special Section: Oscars 2007 Text: Raja Sen | Photographs: Getty Images | Design: N V Reuben

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