Actors are known for their dramatic speeches and iconic meme-able Academy Award moments, but many also have some profound words to share. We sometimes forget that these celebrities are just as human as we are. They can provide insight into their achievements and how they faced their obstacles.
Take a moment to admire the sincere words of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and don’t forget to bring your tissues because some might move you to tears. At the very least, you can jot down some ideas for your next acceptance speech – just don’t forget to thank the academy.
Viola Davis – Best Supporting Actress 2017
Davis delivers a teary-eyed acceptance speech that not only gives thanks to all the closest and most influential people in her life but also reminds everyone in the audience – and the viewers at home – to never take their lives for granted.
“There’s one place, where all the people with the greatest potential are gathered…and that’s the graveyard.” There are millions of stories that never got told, so remember to value yours. “We are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life.”
Halle Berry – Best Actress 2002
Berry’s win hit particularly hard because she was not only the first African American woman to win the academy award for Best Actress, but a couple of years prior, she played the role of Dorothy Dandridge who was the first African American woman to be nominated as a leading lady.
“This moment is so much bigger than me. It’s for every faceless, nameless woman of color who now has the chance because this door tonight has been opened.” Berry made history and inspired women around the world to follow their dreams.
Youn Yuh-jung – Best Supporting Actress 2021
Smiling from ear to ear, Youn Yuh-jung was so humble while accepting her award for the film Minari. She gives a shout-out to her fellow nominees and congratulates them on their equivalent success and immeasurable talent because each was the winner for their own movie.
“I don’t believe in competition. How can I win over Glenn Close?” she asked. “I’ve been watching so many of her performances. Five nominees – we are the winner for each different movie. We played different roles, so we cannot compete with each other.”
Jamie Foxx – Best Actor, 2005
Winning for his portrayal of the legendary artist Ray Charles, Foxx thanks everyone who played a significant role in his life and career. While holding the Oscar proudly he gives a special shout out to his daughter – his date to the event – for being his biggest cheerleader.
“I wanna thank my daughter for telling me just before I got up here, ‘if you don’t win dad you’re still good.” His daughter’s support reminds us that our value is not measured by our successes but that our successes happen because of our value.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Best Actor, 2016
DiCaprio had narrowly missed the Oscar win for many years – to the point where it was becoming a popular joke across the internet. When he finally accepted the coveted award for his role in the film “The Revenant,” instead of using up his time to boast about his success, he chose to speak on behalf of the world we live in.
“The Revenant was about man’s relationship with the natural world.” He mentions that during production, the crew had to move to the southern tip to find snow. “Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take this night for granted.”
Emerald Fennell – Best Original Screenplay, 2021
Although audiences of the Oscars tend to wait eagerly for the announcement of Best Picture and Best Actors in Leading Roles, the other categories give tribute to the masterminds behind the camera and in preproduction whose efforts made the making of the movie possible.
In 2021 Emerald Fennell was one of those people – winning best original screenplay for her work on Promising Young Woman. Humbled and awestruck, she admits “[she] didn’t think this would happen” and didn’t prepare a speech as a result. Never underestimate yourself because your next biggest achievement could be just around the corner.
Olivia Colman – Best Actress, 2019
Funny and charming as ever, Olivia Colman tries to thank everyone she can remember – giving a “massive snog” to those she may forget. After making it through her long list she also gives a shoutout to “any little girl who’s practicing their speech on the telly, you never know!”
She tells the audience that although she loved her job as a cleaner, spent “quite a lot of [her] time imagining this.” Greatness can come from anyone and anywhere, so continue to follow your passions and don’t let the weight of doubt overcome your will to succeed.
Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney – Best Adapted Screenplay, 2017
A powerful and revolutionary movie in its own right, Moonlight director and writer Jenkins and McCraney stand proudly in front of their peers and honor those whose voices are rarely heard. The movie tackles the obstacles faced by many people around the world and gives minorities a voice.
Director Jenkins passionately exclaims, “…And all you people out there who feel like there’s no mirror for you, that your life is not reflected…we have your back.” Writer McCraney echoes his sentiments and adds, “This goes out to all those black and brown boys and girls and non-gender-conforming who don’t see themselves, we’re trying to show you, and us”
Jennifer Lawrence – Best Actress, 2013
Although taking a tumble on the way to accept her award, she showed nothing but grace when laughing about it with the audience. “You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell, and that’s really embarrassing, but thank you.”
Lawrence teaches us that perfection is overrated, and even if you fall on the way to your goals, you can always rise and stand with pride for your achievements.
Marlon Brando – Best Actor, 1973
Perhaps the most memorable speech – or lack thereof – was made by Marlo Brando, who is absent for the ceremony but is represented by the president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee, Sacheen Littlefeather.
She informs the audience that he regretfully cannot accept the award because of the “treatment of American Indians today by the film industry.” His demonstration gives us perspective on the real issues that plague the world.
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