For the first time in memory, the Motion Picture Academy Awards were understated and toned down, tasteful, on time, tightly controlled and well-paced, and most important of all….fair.

David slew Goliath.

The small independent war drama “The Hurt Locker” won six Academy Awards on Sunday night, including best picture and director for Kathryn Bigelow — marking the first time a woman has taken home such an honor.

The film, which has grossed less than $15 million, beat out the biggest box office film ever, James Cameron’s sci-fi epic “Avatar.”

“There’s no other way to describe this, it’s the moment of a lifetime,” said a tremulous Bigelow, upon receiving the directing Oscar at the 82nd annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre. She dedicated the award to the men and woman in the military who risked their lives and wished that they’d all come home safely.

Yes, it was an honor for the men and women who live those terrible and traumatic realities in far away places while the rest of us enjoy our comforts and liberties.

I’ve seen a lot of war films, but ‘The Hurt Locker’ is unique in the way it tells the story. As one announcer said in the ceremony, ‘it’s not about left or right, it’s just a man on a mission’…and it’s really all the men and women serving a larger mission through their own particular sacrifices.

Well done. Very well done.