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7 min read
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Oscar speeches are an unforgettable part of the Academy Awards. These moments reflect the dreams, struggles, and emotions of some of the world’s most talented actors.
The Oscars may be about awarding excellence in cinema, but the speeches offer a glimpse into the lives of those who bring stories to life. Whether funny, emotional, or inspiring, these speeches are as iconic as the films themselves.
When Sally Field won Best Actress for Places in the Heart in 1985, her emotional Oscar speech became legendary. With tears in her eyes, she famously said, “ I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me! “
Field’s victory was a turning point in her career, showing that persistence and passion could break through stereotypes. Her speech still resonates with audiences who admire her authenticity and vulnerability.
Joe Pesci’s acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor in Goodfellas was memorable for its brevity. He said, “ It ‘ s my privileg e,” before thanking everyone involved in the film.
Pesci’s straightforward approach highlighted his humility and authenticity. Sometimes less is more, and his speech proved that you don’t need many words to make an impact, all you need is to be the real you.
When Tom Hanks won Best Actor for Forrest Gump in 1995, his emotional acceptance speech resonated with millions. He thanked his family and colleagues, high school drama teacher, and especially his mother, who had always been his guiding light.
Hanks’ sincerity and humility were evident as he acknowledged the teamwork behind his success. His speech remains one of the most heartfelt in Oscar history, reflecting not only on his achievement but also on the importance of love and support from those around you.
Robin Williams’ Oscar win for Good Will Hunting in 1998 was a bittersweet moment for many fans. Known for his comedic genius, Williams delivered a touching and heartfelt speech that reflected his love for acting and deep gratitude for those who supported him.
Williams’ genuine warmth and sincere thanks to his co-stars and mentors left a lasting impression on everyone watching. His words became a tribute to the power of film and the personal connections made through art.
Roberto Benigni won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for Life is Beautiful . His exuberant acceptance speech was filled with joy as he climbed over seats to reach the stage.
He exclaimed, “ This is a moment of joy! ,” and dedicated the award to Holocaust victims, saying, “ They gave their life so we can say, ‘Life is beautiful ‘.” His infectious energy made this speech unforgettable.
Charlize Theron’s Oscar win for Monster in 2004 was one of the most dramatic transformations in Hollywood history. In her acceptance speech, she not only thanked her co-stars but also spoke emotionally about the difficulty of portraying a real-life character, Aileen Wuornos.
Her speech was a testament to her dedication to her craft and her respect for the character. Theron’s win and words solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses.
Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar win for Dallas Buyers Club in 2014 was a reflection of his personal journey. In his emotional acceptance speech, McConaughey spoke about his hero being his “future self ,” a sentiment that resonated with many people in the audience and beyond.
His speech was filled with gratitude and optimism, reminding viewers to continually evolve and pursue their dreams with determination.
After years of near-misses, Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar in 2016 for his role in The Revenant . His speech was a heartfelt thank-you to those who supported him, but he also used the moment to speak about environmental issues.
DiCaprio’s Oscar win was more than a personal achievement it was a platform for him to raise awareness about climate change. His speech demonstrated his commitment to activism and his desire to use his fame for a greater cause.
Viola Davis made history in 2017 by becoming the first African American woman to win Best Supporting Actress for Fences . Her acceptance speech was powerful and moving, as she emphasized the importance of stories and representation in Hollywood.
Davis’ speech highlighted the need for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She paid tribute to the writers and creators whose stories give voices to marginalized communities, leaving a profound message about the significance of storytelling in shaping culture.
Frances McDormand’s second Oscar win came in 2018 for her performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri .
McDormand’s acceptance speech was a rallying cry for women in the film industry, calling for inclusion and equal opportunities. Her words echoed the growing movement for gender equality in Hollywood and beyond.
McDormand’s speech left a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring both women and men to continue pushing for change.
When Olivia Colman won Best Actress for The Favourite in 2019, her charming speech captivated everyone. She expressed surprise at winning and thanked her fellow nominees while humorously acknowledging her nerves.
Colman exclaimed, “ This is genuinely quite stressful. This is hilarious! ” Her genuine excitement made her speech relatable and enjoyable for viewers. Colman also pointed out Lady Gaga in the audience, creating a lighthearted moment.
Troy Kotsur made history as the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar when he took home Best Supporting Actor for CODA in 2022. His emotional speech celebrated representation and the importance of deaf culture in film.
Kotsur shared his journey with humor and gratitude, inspiring many viewers to embrace their identities. His win marked a significant moment for inclusivity in Hollywood.
Michelle Yeoh made headlines when she won Best Actress at the 2023 Oscars for Everything Everywhere All at Once . Her speech celebrated Asian representation while encouraging people to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles.
Yeoh’s empowering message resonated with audiences worldwide, reminding everyone that perseverance is key to success.
Brendan Fraser won Best Actor at the 2023 Oscars for his role in The Whale . His emotional acceptance speech reflected on his journey back to acting after years away from the spotlight.
Fraser said, “ You laid your whale-sized hearts bare so we could see into your souls like no one else .” His heartfelt words moved audiences and celebrated resilience in pursuing one’s passion.
Brendan’s near-death experience on ‘The Mummy’ set has become a legendary tale, highlighting the risks actors take for their craft.
Oscar speeches are not just about awards they’re about the stories behind them. These moments stay with us long after the ceremony ends, reminding us of the passion, struggles, and triumphs of the individuals who make magic on screen.
As we reflect on these iconic speeches, we’re reminded of the power of film to inspire, change, and connect us all.
Film enthusiasts are curious to see which films made the cut as the 97th Oscars shortlists listed in 10 Categories have been revealed.
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Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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