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By Marc Peyser
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The Oscars made all kinds of history this year, and not just because they were the first awards where Russell Crowe didn't pick a fight. It was the longest show (4 hours, 23 minutes) and the first time African-Americans won the top acting awards. Does that mean it was a good program? Hardly. Other than Halle Berry's meltdown and Sidney Poitier's eloquence, this was also the most boring Oscars ever. Where are Debbie Allen's interpretative dances when you need them? A look at the good, the bad and the ugly in Oscar's new record book:
First to break the color barrier: Halle Berry, who became the first black woman to win best actress. Coupled with Denzel Washington, who was named best actor, they've just won as many Oscars as all the black actors in the 1990s combined. Though Berry still should have stopped her marathon speech before thanking her lawyer.
First nominee to leave before his category was announced: Will Smith, who along with his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, left mid-broadcast after their daughter became ill at home.
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First time in attendance: Woody Allen had never shown up at the Oscars, despite winning three times. He made the trip this year to introduce a montage of clips about New York. His appearance was such a surprise, even ABC didn't know about it until Allen walked onstage.
Susan Lucci persistence award: Randy Newman won his first Oscar for best song--after 16 nominations--for "If I Didn't Have You" from "Monsters, Inc." "I don't want your pity," he joked.
First time looking ugly in her life: Jennifer Lopez. Whoever turned J. Lo's hair into that poofy, wavy, "Stepford Wives" mess should have his blow-dryer confiscated immediately.
Runner-up: Gwyneth Paltrow, erstwhile Hollywood sweetheart, who looked like a harlot with her raccoon eyes and a blouse so revealing that a billion people could tell she needed a bra.
First morning-show victory of the century: This may have been the lowest-rated Oscars since 1997, but enough of those 41.8 million viewers stayed tuned to ABC the next morning to give "Good Morning America" its first ratings win over NBC's "Today" show since 1996.
First "Survivor" to make it on the Academy Awards: That was "Survivor: Africa" alum Silas Gaither onstage handing out statuettes, one of the few trophy boys in Oscar history. "Survivor" Jerri Manthey is probably still kicking herself.
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