'The Departed' takes best picture Oscar

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- "The Departed," a story of intrigue and betrayal between the Boston police and the Irish mafia, was named best picture at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

In his acceptance speech, producer Graham King paid tribute to the three Oscar winners who preceded him to the stage Sunday -- best actor Forest Whitaker for "The Last King of Scotland"; best actress Helen Mirren for "The Queen"; and director Martin Scorsese, who won his first Oscar for "The Departed."

"For me to be standing here where the queen of England ... and Idi Amin stood is an honor," said King. "To be standing here where Martin Scorsese just won his Oscar is such a joy, such a joy."

Scorsese won his first Oscar in six best director nominations for "The Departed," which also won Oscars for adapted screenplay and film editing.