Photo Credit: Retna

The most anticipated category on Oscar night is usually best picture. But audience members all sat up a little straighter in their seats this year when it came time for the announcement of best animated feature. That's because Jennifer Aniston walked onstage to present -- and stood just 12 feet away from her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, and her rival, Angelina Jolie, who were sitting in the front row. "Everyone was craning their necks to see how Brad and Angie watched Jen," says a witness.

Though Jen, 40, seemed a bit uncomfortable, she read the list of nominees without letting her nerves get the best of her. "Jen looked very nervous backstage beforehand," says the witness.

Nevertheless, Jen bit the bullet, and for the first time since her marriage to Brad broke up in 2005, she came face-to-face with his partner, Angelina. But that's as close as the two got over the course of the night.

For more on why Jen stayed away from Brangie, pick up the latest issue of Life & Style, on newsstands now!