“Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who gave a politically tinged acceptance speech on stage, continued his political bent backstage, calling on President Obama to repeal the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, and then moved on to other subjects.

He said he never dreamed of winning an Oscar. In fact, his dreams were quite modest.

“When I started this screenplay, the only dream I had was not to screw it up.”

The two biggest reactions from the media have been toward the generous mounds of peeled shrimp on the buffet table, and the shot of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (right) while Jennifer Aniston was presenting an award on stage.

Aniston, the third wheel in the infamous tabloid triangle, was exchanging funny lines with co-presenter Jack Black when the camera suddenly showed the couple in the front row.

A collective gasp engulfed the press room. Some people muffled shocked laughter. Others shook their heads in amazement. Others whispered in a gossipy way.