Who's the most important man on Oscar night? One could argue that it is the Oscar itself. A table of Oscar statuettes were just waiting backstage to be handed out during the show Feb. 29, 2004.
Actually, one could also argue that these guys were the most important men of Oscar night: Greg Garrison, left, and Rick Rosas from the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse. They were carrying the sealed envelopes with the names of the winners.
First one out onstage was actor Sean Connery, who opened the 76th annual Academy Awards by declaring that the movies are "the force that binds us together, the common link that touches the humanity in all of us. That's why we love to watch them."
Billy Crystal performs the comedic medley that has become his signature (in addition to a satiric film montage) at the beginning of every Academy Awards show that he hosts.
Japanese actor Ken Watanabe arrives at the 76th annual Academy Awards. He was nominated for best actor in a supporting role for his work in "The Last Samurai." (The winner in that category was Tim Robbins for "Mystic River.")
Among Jude Law's guests was his mother, Maggie. Law was nominated for best actor for his work in the film "Cold Mountain." (The winner in that category was Sean Penn for "Mystic River.")
Johnny Depp, also a nominee in the category of best actor, told one interviewer that he had no expectation of winning, but was attending the Academy Awards ceremony as a gesture of thanks for the nomination -- and "to applaud."
Robin Williams laughs with Bob Goldthwait upon arrival at the 76th annual Academy Awards. Williams was a presenter during the telecast.
Cast members from "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" arrive at the 76th Annual Academy Awards. From left are Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd. While the film garnered no nominations for its actors, it managed to dominate the evening, winning a record-tying 11 Oscars.
Director Peter Jackson arrives at the Oscars. Later that evening, he would win as best director for his work on "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."
West African actor Djimon Hounsou was nominated for best actor in a supporting role for his work in "In America."
Actor Tim Robbins won as best actor in a supporting role for his work in "Mystic River."
Bill Murray and his wife, Jennifer Butler, came to the Oscars together. Murray was considered a front-runner in the category of best actor for "Lost in Translation," but the Oscar went to Sean Penn for "Mystic River."
Oscar host Billy Crystal takes a break backstage as he chats with Eugene Levy, who performed the song "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" later in the show, during the 76th annual Academy Awards, Feb. 29, 2004.
Happy trio: "Mystic River" director Clint Eastwood, center, is joined by best actor winner Sean Penn, right, and best supporting actor winner Tim Robbins, both stars of the film, at the Governor's Ball following the 76th annual Academy Awards.