The Oscar for best original score went to Gustavo Santaolalla for Brokeback Mountain, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Sunday evening in Hollywood.

 

The award marks the first Oscar for Ang Lee's gay film, which had been expected as the biggest winner with 8 nominations at the 78th Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre.

 

Earlier, the awards for best supporting actor and actress went to George Clooney and Rachel Weisz, respectively.

 

The result meant Brokeback Mountain had lost two nods in early Oscars. Brokeback Mountain stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams had been both nominated in the supporting categories.

 

At the Oscar ceremony, US Vice President Dick Cheney, who made headlines for accidentally shooting a hunting partner, was needled openly by host Jon Stewart.

 

Stewart invoked the memory of Icelandic singer Bjork, who once wore a swan dress that is still regarded as one of the worst Oscar-night fashion flaws.

 

"Bjork couldn't be here tonight," Stewart said. "She was trying on her Oscar dress and Dick Cheney shot her."

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2006)