Alan Arkin speaks directly to best-supporting actor nominee, Philip Seymour Hoffman. The great to the great: what a moment. "Unsettled, unsure and enthralled in uncertainty. For that we sing your praise, Philip."

I love the way these are written. Joel Grey speaks directly to Josh Brolin, who was nominated for Milk. "Turned weakness into strength: Josh, you really nailed it."

Cuba speaks directly to Robert Downey, Jr.:  "To be a white actor playing a white Australian actor playing a blackman in black-face. I say 'are you out of your mind?' Congratuatlion on your next film Shaft…"

Kevin Kline noms HEATH LEDGER. Here it comes. "As the joker in The Dark Knight, he kept us on edge…with this bravura performance, as well as a wide range of other roles Heath has left us an enduring legacy."

The Oscar goes to Heath Ledger…