"One of them ultimately proved to be a good man, another proved to be a bad man; one was a conflicted diamond smuggler, one a brutal military dictator, and another a lecherous old man. Each role was a challenge, but each was brought to life by outstanding lead actors in their films. Here are the nominees for Best Actor: Leonardo Dicaprio, 'Blood Diamond';"
The television screen showed a riveting clip from 'Blood Diamond,' and sparse applause echoed in the Kodak Theatre. Leonardo, his hair slick and shiny, smiled at the camera. Witherspoon continued reading, "Heath Ledger, 'The Deceased';" Behind her, the big screen lit up with a scene of "Billy" talking to a psychiatrist. As the camera cut to a smiling Heath Ledger and Wang Yang vigorously applauding him, the audience erupted in thunderous applause for the evening's favorite, who might set a new record as the youngest ever Oscar Best Actor.
