Clearly moved, Hansard said in his acceptance speech: "This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad. We made this film two years ago. We shot on two Handicams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand. We never thought we would come into a room like this and be in front of you people. It's been an amazing thing. Thanks for taking this film seriously, all of you. It means a lot to us. Thanks to the Academy, thanks to all the people who've helped us, they know who they are, we don't need to say them. This is amazing. Make art. Make art. Thanks."
Those sentiments were echoed by Irglova who was originally told that there wasn’t time for her to make a speech because of the need to go to a TV ad break, but was ushered back on by host Jon Stewart after the commercials.
“I just want to thank you so much," she said, "this is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. And so thank you so much, who helped us along the way. Thank you."
At the press call afterwards, Glen noted: "When we were kids, we used to watch the Oscars every year and talked about what people were wearing. It's amazing to be here tonight. My mother was sitting beside me and she was just so nervous - she's been so nervous since we were nominated. I was just welling up."
For her part, Marketa observed: "These days films are being made for different reasons like money, and art is being compromised. I think people feel this film was done from a very pure point and an artistic one. I also think it's a story of love and we can all connect with that."
We’ll have more reaction for you as the day progresses.