Grading the Oscar cast

First-time host Steve Martin was no Billy Crystal, but overall he was in fine comic form Sunday. Martin's urbane demeanor was reminiscent of past Oscar hosts Bob Hope and Johnny Carson, although it felt slightly out of pace with today's hype-charged Academy Awards. The show was rolling the credits by 11 p.m. - a speedy (by Oscar standards) 3 1/2-hour telecast. Acceptance speeches were short - well, except for Julia Roberts'. @ART CAPTION:Steve Martin was host of the Oscars for the first time. @ART:Photo (color) @ART CREDIT:KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/The Associated Press >>>