King's Speech misses early awards

The King’s Speech missed out on two early Oscars as the 83rd Academy Awards began.

Tom Hanks presented the first award, for Art Direction, to the team behind Alice in Wonderland.

The film, which starred Helena Bonham Carter, was made by her partner Tim Burton.

Sci-fi thriller Inception picked up the Cinematography award.

The awards had opened with a montage showing hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway in scenes from this year’s Best Picture nominations.

Veteran actor Kirk Douglas came on stage to a standing ovation to present the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

There was more disappointment for The King’s Speech as Helena Bonham Carter, who played Queen Elizabeth, lost out to Melissa Leo for The Fighter.

The shocked winner said: “I’m just shaking in my boots now.”