Acceptance speeches at the Oscars are known for their emotional, awkward, and inspirational moments. It’s no surprise that when actors win the highest honor in their field, things get intense. From tearful moments to empowering messages, let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic Oscars speeches of all time.
The Most Empowering Oscars Speeches
Michelle Yeoh – Best Actress In A Leading Role, 2023
Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress In A Leading Role award at the 95th Academy Awards. In a rousing speech, she thanked the audience and said, “This is a beacon of hope and possibilities for all the little boys and girls who look like me.” Holding her gold Oscar, she exclaimed, “Dream big and dreams do come true.”
Ariana DeBose – Best Supporting Actress, 2022
Ariana DeBose, an openly queer woman of color, gave an empowering and heartfelt speech when accepting her award at the 94th Academy Awards. She proudly declared, “There is indeed a place for us.” Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I found my strength in life through art. And that is what we’re here to celebrate.”
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste – Best Original Score, 2021
The trio behind the Best Original Score for the animated film Soul, highlighted the power of music in their acceptance speech. They acknowledged the specialness of every contribution and emphasized how music connects people and creates memorable moments. They concluded by expressing their gratitude and thanking God for the gift of music.
Lupita Nyong’o – Best Supporting Actress Oscars Speech, 2014
Nyong’o delivered an angelic speech when accepting her award for her role in 12 Years A Slave. She thanked her co-stars, paid tribute to her brother and best friend, and ended with a powerful message: “May this remind you that no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.”
John Legend and Common – Best Original Song Oscars Speech, 2015
After an inspiring performance of their song “Glory,” which accompanied the film Selma, John Legend and Common took the stage to accept their Oscar. They drew parallels between the march for equal rights and justice depicted in the film and ongoing struggles for rights today. Legend used his platform to advocate for criminal justice reform.
Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney – Best Adapted Screenplay, 2017
The Moonlight director and writer delivered an impassioned acceptance speech, encouraging young Black and LGBTQ+ people to have the courage to tell their stories. They dedicated their award to those who feel underrepresented, stating, “We have your back, and we will not leave you alone.”
Frances McDormand – Best Actress Oscar Speech, 2018
Frances McDormand’s speech was a highlight of the night. She paid tribute to her colleagues, invited all female nominees to stand with her, and urged the audience to support diversity in the industry. McDormand concluded with two powerful words: “inclusion rider,” promoting diversity and equal opportunities in filmmaking.
The Most Entertaining Oscars Speeches
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon – Best Original Screenplay Oscars Speech, 1997
Childhood friends Affleck and Damon won an Oscar for writing Good Will Hunting. Their speech was filled with excitement and gratitude as they thanked everyone involved in the film, their families, and even the people in the audience keeping time on their speech.
Julia Roberts – Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2001
Julia Roberts won Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich. Her speech was filled with humor as she thanked practically everyone she had ever met. She even playfully called out the timekeeper, saying, “Man with the stick, I see you!”
Olivia Colman – Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2019
Olivia Colman’s surprise win for The Favourite led to a heartfelt and hilarious speech. She expressed her gratitude and shared her disbelief at the moment. Colman playfully stuck her tongue out at the teleprompter when told to wrap up and pointed at Lady Gaga in the front row.
Daniel Kaluuya – Best Supporting Actor Speech, 2021
Daniel Kaluuya won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah. In his speech, he paid tribute to Chairman Fred Hampton, whom he portrayed in the film, and thanked his parents in a funny and unexpected way. His shoutout to his parents’ “single man job” brought laughter and applause from the audience.
The Most Emotional Oscars Speeches
Troy Kotsur – Best Supporting Actor, 2022
Troy Kotsur made history as the first male deaf actor to win an Academy Award. He emotionally thanked his co-star and expressed the challenges he faced as a Deaf actor. He also paid tribute to his father, who inspired and supported him throughout his journey.
Gwyneth Paltrow – Best Actress Oscars Speech, 1999
Gwyneth Paltrow’s tearful speech for Shakespeare In Love was a heartfelt moment. She thanked her father, who was battling cancer at the time, and dedicated her award to him. Paltrow’s emotional tribute touched the hearts of many.
Halle Berry – Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2002
Halle Berry made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award for her role in Monster’s Ball. Through tears, she acknowledged the significance of her win, stating it was for every woman of color who now had the chance because a door had been opened.
Jamie Foxx – Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2005
Jamie Foxx poured his heart out in his acceptance speech for portraying Ray Charles in Ray. He started with Ray Charles vocals, thanked his daughter’s uplifting words, and emotionally paid tribute to his grandmother. Foxx’s genuine emotions resonated with the audience.
Heath Ledger – Best Supporting Actor Oscars Speech, 2009
Heath Ledger’s posthumous win for his unforgettable performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight was an emotional moment for his family. Ledger’s family accepted the award on his behalf and expressed their gratitude. They dedicated the award to Ledger’s daughter and reassured her of her father’s enduring legacy.
Viola Davis – Best Supporting Actress Oscar Speech, 2017
Viola Davis’s Oscars speech for her role in Fences was deeply emotional. She spoke about the impact of her parents on her life and career, and appreciatively mentioned her husband and children. Her heartfelt words touched the audience, leaving not a dry eye in the room.
The Most Political Oscars Speeches
Marlon Brando – Best Actor Oscars Speech, 1973
Marlon Brando declined his award for The Godfather and sent Sacheen Littlefeather to deliver a speech on his behalf. Littlefeather used this platform to criticize the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood, raising awareness and sparking a much-needed conversation.
Michael Moore – Best Documentary Oscars Speech, 2003
Michael Moore used his acceptance speech for Bowling for Columbine to voice his political opinions against the George Bush presidency and the Iraq War. Moore’s passionate speech included a pointed “Shame on you, Mr. Bush” and sparked a mix of reactions from the audience.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2016
Leonardo DiCaprio, finally winning an Oscar for The Revenant, utilized his platform to address important issues. He spoke about the protection of indigenous people and the urgency of climate change action. DiCaprio’s speech highlighted his commitment to using his fame for a higher cause.
The Sweetest Oscars Speech
Brendan Fraser – Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2023
Brendan Fraser’s win for The Whale at the 95th Academy Awards marked a comeback for the beloved actor. With tears in his eyes, he thanked his co-workers and conveyed his gratitude for the recognition. Fraser’s emotional speech touched the hearts of many.
Emerald Fennell – Best Original Screenplay Oscar Speech, 2021
Emerald Fennell won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Promising Young Woman. In a spontaneous and adorable moment, she admitted that she hadn’t prepared a speech. Fennell shared her childhood speech, which amusingly thanked Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell, and humorously acknowledged her lack of useful preparation.
These Oscars speeches are a testament to the power of storytelling, resilience, and the impact of cinema on society. They remind us of the diverse voices and experiences that make up the film industry and the importance of using platforms responsibly. Let’s celebrate the memorable moments and continue to be moved by the magic of the movies.