"Crash," the intense race relations drama, became a surprise winner at the Oscars, beating the heavily favored gay romance "Brokeback Mountain."

"Crash" won despite the fact that "Brokeback" won most all of Hollywood's best film honors heading into the Oscar.

And "Crash" does have a huge audience following. When it was announced as a winner, moviemakers and movie stars at the Kodak Theater stood in the aisles and cheered "Crash."

"Crash" producer Cathy Schulman thanked Oscar voters for honoring a film "about love, about tolerance, about truth."

"We are humbled by the other nominees in this category," Schulman said. "You have made this year one of the most breathtaking and stunning, maverick years in American cinema."

Low-budget "Crash" was a critical and box-office success in the early summer of 2005. The film's budget was $6.5 million (plus $1 million in financing). Because of the financial constraints, director Haggis filmed in his own house, borrowed a set from the TV show Monk, used his car in parts of the film, and even used cars from other staff members. However, "Crush" basically crashed its way in theaters, grossing $53.4 million domestically and making back more than eight times its budget.

"Crash" cast includes Brendan Fraser, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, and Don Cheadle, among others.

Along with best film, "Crash" won the trophy for best original screenplay for writers Paul Haggis, who also directed the movie, and for his writing partner Bobby Moresco. 

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