The 2014 Academy Awards: Ellen DeGeneres Returns

JARED LETO, 'FROZEN' WIN EARLY AT ACADEMY AWARDS (AP)

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- In a ceremony punctuated by politics, pizza and photo-bombing, the Academy Awards breezed through a smooth opening from host Ellen DeGeneres and a best supporting actor win for the velvety "Dallas Buyers Club" star Jared Leto.

As expected, Leto won for his acclaimed, gaunt performance as a theatrical transgender suffering from AIDS in the Texas drama. He thanked his mother, his date on the night.

"Thank you for teaching me to dream," said Leto. Later backstage, he passed around his Oscar to members of the press, urging them to "fondle" it. The actor, who had devoted himself in recent years to his rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, gravely vowed: "I will revel tonight."