by Shannonn Kelly
11:58 PM, EST, February 22, 2009

The 81st Academy Awards opened with an ode to the bad economy dance number by  a ‘clawless Wolverine’, Hugh Jackman. Props were made to look like they were made as part of a school project.

The Academy Award Goes To...

The first award of the evening was handed out to Best Supporting actress Penelope Cruz for her role in Vicki Christina Barcelona, written and directed by veteran Woody Allen.

Penelope Cruz became the first Spanish actress to ever win an Oscar. Cruz, who was born in Alcobendas, Spain, said she watched the Academy Awards when she was a little girl.

“Has anyone ever fainted up here?” she asked when accepting her award. “Because I could be the first one.”

She  thanked co-stars, Woody Allen and director and mentor Pedro Almadovar before ending her speech with a heartfelt thank you in Spanish.

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona” co-star  Javier Bardem was the first Spanish actor to win an Academy Award last year in his supporting role as the crazy killer with the page-boy haircut, Anton Chigur in “No Country for Old Men.”

For the complete list of all winners, please click here.