2D game graphics programming

I know some C++ and Java, but I've only ever done text stuff with them. Which language, and what libraries, would you recommend for making 2D game?

With sprites and collision detection, basic physics for side-scroller type action.

>>10
When did ``hardware acceleration'' become such a buzzword?
You realize what SDL is, right?
And it's a library, of course it's written in C.

I recommend SFML. It's simple and fast, as implied by the name. It is also better maintained.
Fuck, IHBT.