To The Departed detractors - do you not think that The Departed should be judged on its own merits? So what if the plot's based on the Infernal Affairs trilogy, there's a reason it was up for Adapted Screenplay and not Original Screenplay. It is not nearly as identical as you make it out to be...or an imitation. Which scene has been taken camera-shot for camera-shot? Which conversation has been translated word for word? Which character is a replica of his/her HK counterpart (I found the The Departed characters to be far more feeble)? I found The Departed to be a far, well, departure, from Infernal Affairs.

If you want to rant about how IA is a better film and deserved a Foreign Film nomination or more recognition back in 2002, then do that. If you want to argue about how The Departed doesn't live up to expectations (as I don't think it does) and therefore didn't deserve 4 Oscars, then do that too. But come on, don't declare The Departed unworthy merely because it is a remake.

B. Phang, London,

In all of this UK vs US griping no ones seems to have noticed that another country, Mexico, was awarded an impressive number of Oscars this year. Demonstrating that the Academy is not the inward-looking institution that many think and recognises talent and innovation across the world.

SB, UK/Mexico,

Thank the holy God up on high that's over. What was worse? Ellen DeGeneres weak hosting? Everything about DreamGirls especially that outdated music sequence ('I can sing higher and longer than you')? Clint Eastwood's old age? The gushing acceptance speeches? Jack Nicholson? The ego that is Will Smith? Michael Mann's flag waver? The Departed winning so much for so little true quality? No, sadly it had to be the UK's obsession with us 'Brits' winning at the high altar of fame. Once again, thank God that's over!

Paul McCloskey, London, England

The Departed is not just an imitation of a Hong Kong movie, it is almost identical. The plot is identical and characters are identical, as are many of the scenes. The fact that the Oscars have been awarded to someone who lets face it, cant take a lot of credit for the movie, is an example of the pathetic state of Hollywood films.

My advice? Do some research and rent a highly acclaimed Foreign Film.

Pete, Cov,

Really, really boring show, one the worst. Hollywood should be able to do better.

Michael Fitzpatrick, Malibu, CA, USA

Nice to know sour grapes and anti-americanism still abounds! You are talking of Hollywood not the Laurence Olivier Awards. The BAFTA's aren't exactly the epitome of culture either.

B L, London,

Isn´t it time to establish a world film event, and leave the Oscars to Hollywood and its friends? At this stage of history, it is absurd to keep talking about "foreign films".

Fernando Mendicoa, Caracas, Venezuela

This is not the first time that the Oscars were awarded based more on sympathy rather than the strength of the film. There was a lot of of appeal to the Academy to finally award Martin Scorcese with the best director award, even though The Queen is a more superior film than The Departed. Furthermore, The Departed is an imitation of a Hong Kong movie. I guess that's Hollywood and America for you. They have the balls to give the best award to a film that copied something from countries that America look down upon.

S B, Luton, United Kingdom

Happy for all the winners, the music, the people, and the entire show.

Amos, Orange Park, Florda