Here's what Winslet, Cruz, Rahman said while accepting their Oscars

Washington, Feb 23 (ANI): While winning the best actress Oscar was the realisation of a childhood dream for Kate Winslet, best supporting actress award winner Penelope Cruz was so excited that she felt she would faint.

Winslet, 33, who won the award for her role as Hanna Schmitz in 'The Reader', said she had first practised her speech in the mirror aged eight.

"I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would have been a shampoo bottle," the British star said gesturing to her golden statuette during her acceptance speech.

"Well, it's not a shampoo bottle now," she added.

Spanish star Cruz, who won the best supporting actress award for her role in 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona', said that she was going to faint.

"Has anybody ever fainted here, because I think I may be the first one," she said.

Music composer AR Rahman, who bagged won two Oscars for best original score and best original song, thanked people from Mumbai and the essence of the film, which is about 'optimism and the power of hope and our lives'.

"All my life I've had a choice of hate and love. I chose love, and I'm here. God bless," he said.

The family of Heath Ledger, who won the best supporting actor Oscar for his Joker role in 'The Dark Knight' paid tribute to the late actor.

His mother Sally Bell said: "Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives. We have been truly overwhelmed by the honour and respect being bestowed upon him with this award. Tonight, we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved."

His sister Kate said: "Heath, we both knew what you had created in the Joker was extraordinarily special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you." (ANI)