And the award for Best Supporting Actor goes to Christoph Waltz for his role in Django Unchained. This was an award comprising some real Oscars pedigree, with every single nominee owning at least one award, but it was Waltz who prevailed.

“Mr De Niro, Mr Arkin, Mr Hoffman and Mr Jones – my respect,” began Waltz’ acceptance speech – his tender acknowledgement of his fellow nominees accompanied with a humble bow met with a warm applause. “My unlimited gratitude goes to Dr. King Schultz, that is, to his creator and the creator of his awe-inspiring world, Mr Quentin Tarantino,” he continued. Waltz, of course, picked up a Bafta for the same role, but beat the favourite Tommy Lee Jones to the gong. He went on to thank his fellow cast members, behind the scenes colleagues and a few friends – a customary affair – but such is his charisma, this award speech still had the gravitas to defy repetition. A deserved award, we think.

Director Quentin Tarantino, Christoph Waltz and Empire Leicester Square

Waltz and his director, Tarantino

This might be the only award for Django Unchained tonight, as it’ up against some stiff competition in the Best Picture category – Lincoln and Argo are duking it out for that one – and Tarantino isn’t even up for Best Director, which, alongside Ben Affleck’s snub in the same character, is one of the bigger mistakes made by the academy this year.