On Academy eve, Hollywood blasts US attack on Iraq

Most outspoken was documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, the man behind the popular anti-gun expose Bowling for Columbine, whose title refers to the Colorado high school where two students massacred 13 people in 1999. ‘‘The lesson for the children of Columbine this week is that violence is an accepted means by which to solve a conflict,’’ Moore said. He called Bush a ‘‘fictitious President’’ who was waging ‘‘terrorism.’’

He later said he had spoken to a number of Oscar nominees who said they planned to acknowledge the war in acceptance speeches if they won in their categories. Moore’s film is nominated for a best documentary Oscar.

Julianne Moore, star of the Independent Spirits’ big winner Far From Heaven, spoke in more measured tones. ‘‘We’re parents and we teach our children not to fight. Fighting’s not the answer,’’ she said as she accepted the best actress prize, one of five won by the 1950s drama. She was also dismissive of her Oscar chances.

Her co-star, Dennis Quaid, who won for his supporting role as a gay husband, said he did want to ‘‘politicise’’ the Independent Spirits. ‘‘It’s a strange time for all of us,’’ he told reporters backstage.

Other actors had no qualms about getting political. Secretary star Maggie Gyllenhaal, who was a presenter, said the war was about ‘‘oil and imperialism.’’ Actor/filmmaker Mike White, who won for his screenplay for the Jennifer Aniston black comedy The Good Girl, said: ‘‘Let’s use a little more spirit this year to get Bush out of office.’’

Singer/songwriter Elvis Costello set the anti-war tone for the leisurely affair by performing his cover of (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? a Nick Lowe song originally written as a parody of peace anthems.

In addition to the actress and supporting actor prizes, Far From Heaven won for director (Todd Haynes), best picture and cinematographer (Oscar nominee Edward Lachman). Best actor prize went to newcomer Derek Luke, star of the urban drama Antwone Fisher, who recalled that he had been a waiter at the event about four years ago. (Reuters)