MODESTO, Calif. - They called it the "Rally for Renner," and boy did they ever.

Some 240 of Jeremy Renner's family, friends and folks who had had never even met him gathered at Modesto's State Theatre Sunday night to watch the actor's film "The Hurt Locker" nearly sweep the Academy Awards.

The crowd was greeted by a life-size cutout of the Modesto native. Family members and fans alike posed with the Best Picture Academy Award nominee's likeness and also browsed a collection of childhood photos and theater memorabilia from his past.

His scarecrow costume from "The Wizard of Oz" was there, as were posters from various Modesto Junior College productions.

Modesto residents Joe and Lupe Valerio brought their two teenage sons to the event, after renting the movie.

"I think it's interesting the family invited the public to share this moment with them," Lupe Valerio said. "That's why I wanted to be part of this moment."

Before the telecast kicked off, the State played a biographical video presentation about Jeremy and his "The Hurt Locker" role. Renner also taped a special greeting on the eve of the Oscars along with his mother - and Oscar date - Valerie Cearley.

"We just wanted to say thanks for all your support," he said. "Couldn't be happier to be here and have my mom as my date and be sharing this experience with you."

Renner appeared on screen at the top of the telecast, as the best actress and actor nominees opened the show. Throughout the night, the State Theatre crowd cheered raucously each time he or his mother appeared on screen. They were seated behind fellow Oscar nominee Matt Damon and next to Cameron Diaz.

With each "The Hurt Locker" win, the crowd roared.

"This is the coolest experience, sharing all this energy, all this camaraderie," said Renner's father, Lee Renner.

He said people who knew his son from high school and acted with him at MJC approached him throughout the night offering congratulations.

"I attended Davis High School with Jeremy's father," said Modesto resident Jennie Acherberg, who came the the State to cheer on the hometown favorite. "I believe Jeremy Renner has achieved this Oscar moment through 20 years hard work, determination and talent. I have immense respect for his 'old-fashioned' ethical climb to the top."

Renner's 16-year-old stepbrother, Clayton Renner, said it was strange being around so many people who were cheering for his brother.

"People know him all of a sudden," he said. "I can't believe it."

The film kept beating what was considered its closest competition, the box-office behemoth "Avatar," in the early categories including sound mixing, sound editing and film editing.

But Cearley, who spoke via cell phone after the awards ended, said Renner knew "The Hurt Locker" was going to do well after its first win of the night, for best original screenplay for Mark Boal.

"As soon as Mark Boal won, Jeremy said 'The Hurt Locker' is going to get everything," she said.

And that it nearly did.

By the time the best actor award rolled around the show was into its third hour, but the crowd was still excited. In a new twist, the Academy had one of each nominee's past co-stars share their experiences and thoughts about them.

Colin Farrell, who starred with Renner in the 2003 action film "S.W.A.T." did the honors for him, saying, "We had some good times, both on and off the set-including that trip to Mexico, man, which I wish I remembered more of."

Joking aside, he went on to say, "Two things were obvious working with Jeremy then. Your raw talent and your kindness and your generosity to those around you, regardless of their station. It was an absolute inspiration."

While Renner lost out to heavily-favored veteran actor Jeff Bridges for the award, his family said just to see him in the same league as Morgan Freeman and George Clooney was a reward.

"The nomination was so satisfying," said Renner's sister Kym Vieira. "Obviously we wanted him to win, but we're so happy for the movie and for his career."

The film went on to win both best director, for Kathryn Bigelow who became the first woman to win the award, and best picture.