Oscars 2009

Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston Share Oscar Spotlight

By Stephen M. Silverman

Sunday February 22, 2009 11:55 PM EST

Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston

Matt Sayles/AP; Chris Carlson/AP

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While Slumdog Millionaire piled up the Oscars Sunday night, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston defied expectations and piled on the smiles – as their dual appearance at Hollywood's night of nights was as smooth as the silk gowns that filled the Kodak Theatre.

Jolie, of course, attended with her partner and fellow nominee, Brad Pitt, while his ex-wife, Aniston, was accompanied by her boyfriend, John Mayer.

Pitt and Jolie told PEOPLE that their six kids were home "throwing spaghetti against the wall," while the two of them were enjoying a date night.

For their part, Mayer chatted with fellow audience member Queen Latifah, while Aniston schmoozed with Diane Lane, who was accompanying her husband, Milk Supporting Actor nominee Josh Brolin.

When it came to the seating arrangements in the Kodak, Mayer and Aniston were not far from Pitt and Jolie – just about 12 seats away.

For weeks leading up to the Oscars, it was rumored that Aniston would be a presenter at the show, though no official confirmation was released by the Academy. In the end, the Marley & Me star, along with Jack Black, presented the Animation awards.

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer

Chris Carlson / AP

During Aniston's time onstage, cameras panned to Jolie as she laughed while Aniston and Black joked together as they playfully announced the nominees and winners in several categories.

Later, both Aniston and Mayer clapped while Nicole Kidman introduced Jolie as one of the Best Actress nominees and while Pitt was announced as one of the Best Actor nominees.

• Reporting by JD HEYMAN, OLIVER JONES, ELIZABETH LEONARD and BRENDA RODRIGUEZ

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