February 23, 2009 7:15

'Slumdog Millionaire' composer takes home two Oscars

But new mom MIA is MIA

Photo Gallery: MIA
Photo: Tim Cochrane

'Slumdog Millionaire' composer AR Rahman took home tonight's (February 22) biggest music prizes at the 81st annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

The renowned composer, who worked with MIA on several songs for the hit movie, received Oscars for the song 'Jai Ho' and score for 'Slumdog Millionaire', which took home eight of the 10 prizes for which it was nominated, including Best Picture and Best Director Danny Boyle.

Earlier this week, Rahman said that MIA was hoping to perform at the Academy Awards, even if it had to be via hologram since she gave birth to her first child just days ago. But MIA did not, in fact, perform at the ceremony, nor did Peter Gabriel, whose song 'Down To Earth' from the film 'Wall-E' was also nominated for an Academy Award. Gabriel had been hoping to perform the song in full, but cancelled after learning that the song would only be played as part of a 65-second medley, as previously reported.

Instead, Gabriel's song was performed by John Legend, and winners in the music categories were presented by Alicia Keys and teen star Zac Efron.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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