The actress, who was born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, would go on to play Sookie Stackhouse in the HBO vampire series "True Blood" and the mutant Rogue in the "X-Men" films, starting in 2000.
Check out Oscar.com and make your picks on who you think will win at this year's Academy Awards
"I'd like to thank the Academy for the honor of letting me be here today," Paquin said during her Oscar acceptance speech. "I'd like to thank Jane, Jan and Holly for making this all possible. I'd like thank Eddie Campbell, Pat Quirke, and Beanie for taking such good care of me during the making of the film.In "The Piano," Paquin played Flora McGrath, the daughter of a mute pianist, portrayed by Holly Hunter. The film was directed by Jane Campion and co-produced by Jan Chapman. Eddie Campbell worked as Paquin's dialect coach. Patricia Quirke was her tutor and chaperone.
Tatum O'Neal became the youngest person to win an Oscar when she took home the award for her role in the 1973 film "Paper Moon."
Check out this and other moments in Oscar history on the interactive timeline available on the official Oscar.com website.
Oscar.com also hosts the official Oscar blog, which will feature red carpet fashion trends and tips from chef and lifestyle experts for hosting the best Oscar party.
Leading up to the ceremony, "On The Red Carpet" co-host Rachel Smith will be doing interviews with hair and fashion stylists and makeup artists for the "Best Dressed" video series featured on Oscar.com, beginning on Feb. 11. Smith will also be covering live events and offering post-show analysis of Oscar night fashions for the site.
The site also has a social media page, Oscar Buzz, which tracks comments from fans using #Oscars and #OscarBuzz.
It was announced in November, that Billy Crystal would return to host the 84th annual Academy Awards.
The awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 on ABC7. Coverage begins at noon PT.
OnTheRedCarpet.com will have complete coverage of the Oscar season, including an exclusive interactive live stream show LIVE from the red carpet. Follow @OnTheRedCarpet on Twitter and "Like" On The Red Carpet on Facebook, and download our FREE entertainment news app for the iPhone and iPad.
