He was named by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesas best director for "Million Dollar Baby, " and minutes later thedrama was announced as the best film in year 2004.

Eastwood has beaten major rival Martin Scorsese, whose biography of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, "The Aviator," had taken 5 Academy Awards and had been widely praised by critics.

"The Aviator" came away with the most Oscars, including the supporting-actress prize for Cate Blanchett, but it was short of heavy-weight awards.

This was Eastwood's third Oscar overall. He won two Academy Awards for 1992 western "Unforgiven," and in 1994 was honored for lifetime achievement. In 74, he became the oldest directing prize winner.

"She's here with me again tonight, so at 96, I'm thanking her for her genes," Eastwood said, referring to his mother. "I figure I 'm just a kid. I've got a lot of stuff to do yet."

Hilary Swank became a double Oscar winner with a best-actress win for her role as a female boxer in this film, which also earned the supporting-actor prize for veteran star Morgan Freeman.

Jamie Foxx won the Oscar for best actor for his portrayal of the late "king of soul" Ray Charles in "Ray," defeating big-name star Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Aviator."

The wins for Freeman and Foxx made it the first time black actors won both acting prizes.

"Give it up for Ray Charles and his beautiful legacy. And thankyou Ray Charles for living," said Foxx, who made his acting debut only six years ago.

Foxx had been a double Oscar nominee, also picked in the supporting category for the hit man thriller "Collateral."