Octavia Spencer picks up Best Supporting Actress cheered on by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Octavia Spencer accepts the Oscar for best actor in a supporting role for The Help during the 84th Academy Awards 

Octavia received a standing ovation from her peers including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Octavia Spencer was one of the first big winners at tonight's Academy Awards, and if she was a predictable choice for Best Supporting Actress... she was also a popular one.

Billy Crystal's staid intro veered from mocking the economic crisis to an awkwardly awful song and dance number: 'Nothing can take the sting out of the economic crisis like watching millionaires give each other gold statues,' Crystal confidently segued into a number that honoured the front-runners - notably George Clooney in the acting category, director Martin Scorcese and the most hotly tipped film of the night, The Artist. 

But before the boys club got to pat themselves on the back, there was a predictable yet joyfully received win for Octavia Spencer, who scooped Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Help.

Old friends: Octavia Spencer (L) and The Help director Tate Taylor (2nd L) watch as best actress nominee Viola Davis (C) jokes with Taylor's girlfriend Stacy Keibler (R)