We all like it when the underdog wins. And nowhere was that better displayed than the sweep Slumdog Millionaire made at the 81st Oscars last evening. Slumdog is the Cinderella-type tale of a Mumbai orphan who rises from rags to riches, a film made on a “paltry” 15 million dollar budget.

As one reviewer put it, “It was a stunning triumph for a film that, not unlike its hero, was orphaned by one distributor before it was picked up by another and adopted by audiences around the world.”

Last night, it scored all eight categories in which it was nominated, including best picture and director.

Let’s hear it for the slumdogs of the world!

“‘If I can get here, so can you,’ director Danny Boyle told the audience in a brief acceptance speech. ‘Dream kind, dream hard.’

Producer Christian Colson, right, and Anil Kapoor celebrate after the film "Slumdog Millionaire" won best motion picture of the year during the 81st Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Mark J. Terrill )