Titanic’s extraordinary special effects ensured its domination of the technical categories. The film, which involved the sinking of a 236-metre replica of the ship, won Oscars for cinematography, art direction, original score, original song, costume design, editing, sound, sound effects editing and, inevitably, visual effects.

“What a year,” gushed winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter. “It’s gone from being a ship of fools to a ship of dreams.”

The biggest cheer was reserved for the youthful winners of best original screen-play. Ben Affleck, 25, and Matt Damon, 27, began writing Good Will Hunting in 1993, but struggled to find backers.

Finally snapped up by Miramax, the tale of a troubled young man with the mind of a mathematical genius - featuring its authors in lead roles - has already taken more than $US150 million in the US.

“We’re just two young guys who happened to be involved with a lot of great people,” shouted an elated Damon.

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The success of Titanic squeezed many contenders out of the Oscar race. British comedy The Full Monty had to settle for one award - original musical or comedy score.

Australia’s two nominees, Oscar and Lucinda costume designer Janet Patterson and Richard Francis-Bruce, the expat who edited Air Force One, were overlooked.

TITANIC AS BIG AS BEN HUR

* Best picture