IT was a million dollar night at the Oscars for Clint Eastwood, whose film scooped four Academy Awards.

But British hopes were left shattered at the star-studded evening.

Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby took four Oscars at the ceremony, while Martin Scorsese's The Aviator won five.

But Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby took the key Oscar for best picture, Eastwood won the Oscar for best director, Hilary Swank took best actress and Morgan Freeman won best supporting actor.

Eastwood said: "It was a wonderful adventure.

"To make a picture in 37 days, it takes a well oiled machine. I am lucky to be here and lucky to be still working. I've got a lot of stuff to do yet."

Morgan Freeman described Million Dollar Baby as a "labour of love" and thanked Eastwood.

The Aviator clinched best supporting actress for Cate Blanchett who played screen legend Katharine Hepburn.

While Eastwood celebrated, it was not a successful night for British talent.

Kate Winslet and Imelda Staunton both lost in the best actress category to Hilary Swank and Clive Owen missed out on best supporting actor after the role in Closer which won him a Golden Globe award.

Andrea Arnold, who presented children's television programme Motormouth in the 80s, was one of the Brits celebrating minor awards - winning best short film for her drama Wasp.

She said: "The beers are on me when we get home."

British costume designer Sandy Powell won the Oscar for best costume design for The Aviator. Other Brits who missed out included the visual effects team behind Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and cinematographer John Mathieson who was nominated for Phantom of the Opera.