The overall uncertainly about whether there was even going to be a show, and the last-minute hiring of writers at the strike's conclusion forced producers to scrap early plans for some filmed comedy bits with Stewart which would have taken too long to prepare.

But hey, at least they went on, and at 80, as Stewart said, Oscar could be in line for the Republican presidential nomination.

Big winner of the night: Miramax, which under new chief Daniel Battsek continued its winning ways of the Weinstein era. Miramax earned its fourth best picture award, with "No Country" joining "Shakespeare In Love," "The English Patient" and " Chicago."

Not-so-big-winner of the night: The Weinsteins, whose only contenders, Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There" and Michael Moore's "Sicko," lost early momentum and went home empty-handed.

Too bad, since the rather staid telecast could have used another fiery Oscar speech from Moore, between wins from the Coen brothers.

Most popular award of the night: Best song to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for "Falling Slowly" from "Once," which is ironic since this truly indie Sundance discovery probably would have been passed on by 99% of the execs in the audience -- even though its measly budget wouldn't have even covered the costs of Martin Lawrence's trailer on "College Road Trip."

Best presenters of the night: The Iraq soldiers presenting documentary short to "Freeheld."

Worst acceptance of the night: The woman from "Bourne Ultimatum" who couldn't remember any names and finally cued the orchestra herself to play her off the stage.

Most generous awards of the night: Two box office bombs got prizes: "The Golden Compass" (for special effects) and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (for costume design).

Favorite winner over the age of 95: Honorary Oscar recipient Robert Boyle.

Favorite nominee under the age of 95: Hal Holbrook.

Favorite audience member over the age of 90: The 92-year-old Adolf Burger, a Holocaust survivor and the true-life subject for foreign-language winner "The Counterfeiters." Unfortunately, winning director Stefan Ruzowitzky forgot to acknowledge his presence, blowing a potentially great moment.

Favorite song from "Enchanted": "Happy Working Song"

Least favorite song from "Enchanted": "So Close"

Only song from "Enchanted" not sung on this year's Oscars: "Ever Ever After"

As the Kodak crowd drifted into the night, looking for a party -- any party – it signaled the end to another long, hard-fought season, one that ultimately saw a movie that went home empty-handed from Cannes in May come back to take all the glory at the Oscars in February.

What will next year bring? Who knows? Get some rest. We've got at least a month before we have to worry about that!

Those are Notes for another Season.