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‘Please keep your dreams alive’: Ke Huy Quan tears up during Oscar acceptance speech

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Visibly stunned and weeping, Ke Huy Quan took the Dolby Theatre stage to accept the supporting actor award for his role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Quan, 51, is the second Asian actor to win in the category; the first was Cambodian American Haing S. Ngor , for “ The Killing Fields ,” in 1985. Brendan Gleeson (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Causeway”), Judd Hirsch (“The Fablemans”) and Barry Keoghan (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) were also nominated for the award.

After the ceremony, Quan said that he went up to Steven Spielberg during one of the commercial breaks earlier in the night. “He gave me a big hug, and he put his arms around and said, ‘Ke, you are now an Oscar-winning actor,’” Quan recounted to onlookers in the press room. “And hearing him say that meant the world to me, and I still cannot believe it.”

Here’s the list of 2023 Oscar winners

The 2023 Oscar winners include “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh and “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

March 12, 2023

Read Quan’s full speech below.

They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it’s happening to me. This is the American dream.

Thank you so much to the Academy for this honor of a lifetime. Thank you to my mom for the sacrifices she made to get me here. Thank you to my brother David, who calls me every day just to remind me to take good care of myself. I love you, brother ... I owe everything to the love of my life, my wife Echo, who month after month, year after year for 20 years, told me that one day my time will come.

‘Everything Everywhere’s’ Ke Huy Quan wins Oscar for supporting actor

Justice for Short Round: Ke Huy Quan wins the 2023 supporting actor Oscar for his work in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there: please keep your dreams alive.

Christi Carras contributed to this report.

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Sonaiya Kelley is an entertainment reporter at the Los Angeles Times. The Bronx, N.Y., native has previously contributed to Essence, Allure and Keyframe Magazine. An alumna of Stony Brook University’s School of Journalism and the Bronx High School of Science, you can find her on Twitter @sonaiyak and on Instagram @sonaiya_k.

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Transcript of Will Smith’s Oscar acceptance speech

Will Smith accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “King Richard” at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Will Smith cries as he accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “King Richard” at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith took home his first Oscar on Sunday for his turn as tennis dad Richard Williams in “King Richard” just moments after slapping Chris Rock on stage .

During his acceptance speech, tears rolling down his face, Smith spoke of similarities between himself and his character, both “fierce defenders” of family as he attempted to address the confrontation over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Here is a transcript of Smith’s acceptance speech:

Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world.

Making this film I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the most strongest, most delicate people I ever met. I got to protect Saniyya and Demi, the two actresses that played Venus and Serena. I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people.

I know to do what we do, you gotta be able to take abuse, and you gotta be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you gotta be able to have people disrespecting you and you gotta smile and you gotta pretend like that‘s OK.

But Richard Williams, and what I loved, thank you D. Denzel (Washington) said to me a few minutes ago, he said, “At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.”

It’s like I want to be a vessel for love. I want to say thank you to Venus and Serena.

I just spit, I hope they didn’t see that.

I want to say thank you to Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family for entrusting me with your story. That’s what I want to do. I want to be an ambassador of that kind of love and care and concern.

I want to apologize to the Academy, I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees.

This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people. Tim and Trevor and Zach and Saniyya and Demi and Aunjunue and the entire cast and crew of “King Richard” and Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family.

Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said. I look like the crazy father just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.

To my mother. Um, a lot of this moment is really complicated for me, but to my mother. She didn’t want to come out. She had her knitting friends, she has a knitting crew watching with her. Being able to love and care for my mother, my family, my wife.

I’m taking up too much time. Thank you for this honor, thank you for this moment. I thank you on behalf of Richard and Oracene, the entire Williams family. Thank you. I’m hoping the Academy invites me back. Thank you.

21 Of The Most Iconic And Memorable Oscars Acceptance Speeches Of All Time

From the hilarious to the tear-jerkers, here's a list of the best speeches of all time.

Let's not forget that these are actors and therefore people who make money from being dramatic or creating drama for a living.

So, is it really any surprise that when these actors win the highest honour in their field, things get very intense very quickly?

From Gwyneth Paltrow sobbing in a pink princess dress to Michael Moore berating George Bush, in celebration of the 96th Academy Awards (March 10), let's take a look back at some of the most memorable Oscars speeches from throughout the years ...

The Most Empowering Oscars Speeches

Michelle yeoh - best actress in a leading role, 2023.

Michelle Yeoh became the first asian woman to win the Best Actress In A Leading Role accolade for her part in Everything Everywhere All at Once at the 95th Academy Awards.

In a rousing speech the 60 year-old star told the audience: 'Thank you for all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.'

Holding up her gold Oscar she exclaimed: 'This is proof that dream big and dreams do come true, and ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re past your prime.'

'This is history in the making,' Yeoh rightly said.

Ariana DeBose - Best Supporting Actress, 2022

West Side Story star Ariana DeBose gave an empowering and heartfelt speech when accepting her 'Best Supporting Actress' accolade at the 94th Academy Awards.

She spoke proudly of being an 'openly queer woman of colour' and told the audience 'there is indeed a place for us'.

Referring to her early days as a performer, she said: 'Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes.

'You see an openly queer woman of colour, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we’re here to celebrate.'

Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste - Best Original Score, 2021

Zendaya presented the trio with the Oscar for Best Original Score for their animated film Soul at the 93rd Oscars.

'You know what’s deep is God gave us 12 notes, it’s the same 12 notes that Duke Ellington had, that Bach had, Nina Simone,' Ross began.

'I want to point out that every gift is special. Every contribution with music that comes from the divine into the instruments into the film, into the minds, hearts and souls of every person who hears it, the stories that happen when you listen to it and watch it and the stories you share, the moments you make, the memories you create, man, it’s just so incredibly special. It’s just so incredibly special… we’re incredibly humbled and thankful. I’m thankful to God for those 12 notes.'

Lupita Nyong'o - Best Supporting Actress Oscars Speech, 2014

Nyong'o glided up to accept her award for her role in the harrowing Steve McQueen movie 12 Years A Slave, looking radiant wearing a Prada dress and headband which only added to the angelic nature of the speech. Nyong'o thanked McQueen and her co-stars so authentically before paying tribute to her brother and best friend and ending with a message to the audience, '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 a searing performance of their song 'Glory', which accompanied Ava DuVernay's Martin Luther King Jr. drama Selma , John Legend and Common took to the stage to accept their Oscar. The duo spoke about the parallels between the march for equal rights and justice acknowledged in the film and song and the people who continue fighting for their rights today. Legend used his platform to highlight the injustices in the American judicial system and urge for criminal justice reform.

Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney - Best Adapted Screenplay, 2017

The Moonlight director and writer gave an impassioned acceptance speech, encouraging young Black and LGBTQ+ people watching to have the confidence to tell their stories.

'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, you and us. So thank you, this is for you,' said McCraney.

While Jenkins reminded viewers that the Academy and ACLU - America's biggest civil rights organisation - were there for them saying, 'All those people out there who feel like there's no mirror for you and your life is not reflected... we have your back and for the next four years we will not leave you alone and will not forget you.' Later on in the night, the two returned to the stage to accept the award for Best Picture, though were ultimately and understandably caught off guard after La La Land was announced as the wrong winner.

Frances McDormand - Best Actress Oscar Speech, 2018

'I'm hyperventilating a little bit, if I fall over pick me up because I've got some things to say,' began McDormand before paying tribute to her Three Billboards colleagues, her husband Joel Cohen and son Pedro McDormand Cohen before asking all the female nominees from every category in the room to stand with her. 'Meryl if you do it, everyone else will,' she said to Streep in the front row.

She then proceeded to educate ask the men in the room to meet with all the women they see standing to listen to their career ambitions and projects before mentioning two words, and subsequently enticing the audience at home to Google rapidly, 'inclusion rider' - a clause in an actor/filmmaker's contract that ensures a certain level of diversity in the cast and crew on a production.

The Most Entertaining Oscars Speeches

Ben affleck and matt damon - best original screenplay oscars speech, 1997.

Aged just 25 and 27, childhood friends Affleck and Damon won an Oscar for writing their film, Good Will Hunting. The pair shouted their speech, as they reeled off people to thank from Minnie Driver to Robin Williams to their mothers, escalated in volume as they became more excitable and aware of the time limit.

Julia Roberts - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2001

The actress won the Best Actress Academy Award for portraying environmental lawyer Erin Brockovich in 2001 and accepted it with a hilarious speech which alternated between thanking everyone Roberts has ever met (she literally thanks 'anyone I've ever met in my whole life') at one point and battling with the behind the scenes Oscars crew keeping time on her speech: 'Man with the stick I see you!'

Olivia Colman - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2019

When Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell announced the former Peep Show star as the winner and she was stunned into the backs of her seat, while being embraced and kissed by her husband, Ed on one side and a weeping Emma Stone on the other, we knew this was going to be a great speech.

Colman did not disappoint, starting her speech with, 'It's genuinely quite stressful, this is hilarious, I've got an Oscar', before poking her tongue out at the teleprompter when she was told to wrap up and simply pointing and saying 'Lady Gaga' at the star and her fellow nominee in the front row.

Daniel Kaluuya - Best Supporting Actor Speech, 2021

During the ceremony, the British actor won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah. In his speech he paid tribute to Chairman Fred Hampton, who he portrayed in the film, and his work in civil rights.

But he then thanked his parents in what could quite possibly be the funniest shoutout in Oscars' history.

‘I’d like to thank my mum,’ he said. ‘You gave me everything. You gave me your factory settings. So I could stand at my fullest height. Thank you so much for showing me myself, and there’s so much work to do. That’s on everyone in this room. This ain’t no single man job. I look at every single one of you. We’ve got work to do.'

At the end of his speech, the star thanked his parents for bringing him into the world, much to his family's shock, who were watching the ceremony live in London.

‘My mum and my dad...they had sex. It's amazing! I'm here!’ he said, before the crowd went wild with applause.

The Most Emotional Oscars Speeches

Troy kotsur - best supporting actor, 2022.

The actor collected his award for Coda , and made history as the first male deaf actor to win an Academy Award.

'It’s a tough journey as a Deaf actor,' he said during his speech. 'There’s so few opportunities out there, and [Marlee Matlin, his Coda co-star] kept on going. She was persistent. And then so was I with my own career as a stage actor. So here I am today.”

The actor continued, paying tribute to his father: 'My dad, he was the best signer in our family. But he was in a car accident, and he became paralysed from the neck down. And he no longer was able to sign. Dad, I learned so much from you. I’ll always love you. You are my hero.'

Gwyneth Paltrow - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 1999

Paltrow was famously tearful when she won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare In Love in 1999. The star became the most emotional when paying tribute to her father Bruce Paltrow, who was in the audience with her mother Blythe Danner, and who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 1999. Paltrow passed away from cancer complications in 2002 aged 58.

Halle Berry - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2002

Berry had tears running down her face when she reached the stage to accept her Academy Award for Monster's Ball , becoming the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award in the process. 'This moment is so much bigger than me,' Berry said as she struggled to speak through tears while recounting her acting heroes. 'It's for every faceless, nameless, woman of colour who now has the chance because this door tonight has been opened.'

Jamie Foxx - Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2005

Starting with some Ray Charles vocals in homage to the singer he portrayed in the Oscar-winning film, Foxx then thanked his daughter (who he brought to the Oscars that night) for telling him just before the award, 'If you don't win Dad, you're still good', before a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, Marie, where Foxx struggled to hold back tears.

Heath Ledger - Best Supporting Actors Oscars Speech, 2009

In 2009, Ledger was posthumously awarded an Oscar for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight , a year after his death. The award was received on his behalf by his family, who said they had been 'truly overwhelmed' by the honour and respect attributed to Ledger and accepted it on behalf of his daughter with Michelle Williams, Matilda.

Viola Davis - Best Supporting Actress Oscar Speech, 2017

Davis was overcome with emotion as she delivered her Oscars speech for her role in Fences in 2017, especially when talking about the impact of her parents on her life and career. Emma Stone looked particularly teary-eyed at the end when Davis paid tribute to her husband Julius Tennon and their children. 'I'm so glad you are the foundation of my life,' Davis said as she wrapped up her speech.

The Most Political Oscars Speeches

Marlon brando - best actor oscars speech, 1973.

The actor won his award for The Godfather in 1973 however declined his award and gave the opportunity for a speech to actress Sacheen Littlefeather, who used the platform to criticise the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood. She passed on the message that Brando couldn't accept the award because of the 'treatment of American Indians today by the film industry and on television and movie reruns'.

Michael Moore - Best Documentary Oscars Speech, 2003

Accepting his award for gun-control documentary Bowling for Columbine, director Michael Moore used his time on stage to criticise the George Bush presidency and Iraq War.

An impassioned Moore raised his voice as he said, 'Shame on you Mr Bush' while the audience roundly booed (though some applause was had) and high-profile celebrities like Adrien Brody looked on awkwardly.

Writing about his Oscars speech for The Hollywood Reporter, in 2017, Moore said: ' Later, my wife and I walked over to the Governors Ball. When I walked in, it was like the Red Sea parting. No one there wanted to be anywhere near the guy who got booed off the stage. One board member told me, "Wow, you really know how to ruin a standing ovation."'

However, he caveated that over the years he has a lot more of a positive reception to his speech than on the night in 2003.

Leonardo DiCaprio - Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2016

In 2016, the world waited with baited breath to see if The Revenant star would finally win an Oscar many thought he should have received years before. He did and nailed his speech in the process, using the platform to eloquently pay tribute to and urge protection of indigenous people while also asking for action on Climate Change, which he called 'the most urgent threat facing our entire species'.

Oh, we can't wait for the Oscars this weekend.

The Sweetest Oscars Speech

Brendan fraser - best actor oscar speech, 2023.

Brendan Fraser won the Oscar for Best Actor for his leading role in The Whale at the 95th Academy Awards. The actor came to the podium with tears in his eyes, and relayed a moving, whale and water themed speech that had everyone in the audience moved, telling his co-workers for the film: 'you laid your whale-sized hearts bare so we could see into your souls like no one else.'

Fraser found success in the late 1990s and 2000s, but after 20 years Fraser has experienced something of a comeback, telling the audience at the Oscars: ' Things they didn’t come easily to me...I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement.'

Emerald Fennell - Best Original Screenplay Oscar Speech, 2021

Emerald Fennell won the Oscar for the Best Original Screenplay for Promising Young Woman at the 93 rd Oscars, and adorably began her acceptance speech by revealing that she hadn’t actually written anything to say.

‘They said write a speech and I didn’t, because I just didn’t think this would happen, and I’m going to be in trouble with [producer] Stephen Soderbergh,’ she admitted.

‘He’s so heavy and he’s so cold!’ she joked about her Oscar on picking it up, adding: ‘So, the only speech I ever wrote was when I was 10, soI had a look to see if there was anything useful from it, but it mostly thanked Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell , my very supportive husband. ‘Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as much a part of my life as I’d hoped, and so that speech is not that useful.’

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The Most Memorable Acceptance Speeches in Oscar History

T he most memorable Academy Awards speeches are those that stay with you long after the ceremony is over. Those that feel raw, emotional, and sometimes even a little unhinged because they are being given by someone who is genuinely shocked to hear their name called on Hollywood’s biggest night. Think Olivia Colman’s charming 2019 speech in which she ended by shouting out Lady Gaga who she spotted in the front row because, well, Lady Gaga! 

Sometimes a speech sticks in your head because the winner makes Oscar history ; it’s hard not to be moved by the heartfelt words Hattie McDaniel spoke when she became the first Black American to ever win an Oscar, for Gone With the Wind , in 1940. Other times the speech makes an unforgettable political statement, as when Indigenous actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather accepted Marlon Brando’s Oscar for The Godfather on his behalf, in an act of protest.

From Jennifer Lawrence tripping up the stairs to Tom Hanks’ passionate tribute to the LGBTQ+ community, these are the 29 most memorable speeches in Oscar history. 

Sally Field Didn’t Say What You Thought She Said

When Sally Field won the Best Actress Oscar in 1985 for Places in the Heart, she said three words that would live in pop culture infamy: “You like me.” The Academy really did; she won the same award just five years earlier for her performance as the titular union organizer in Norma Rae. But the line from her speech that has been endlessly spoofed by everyone, including Field herself , has been remembered all wrong. She didn’t actually say, “You like me. You really like me.” She said, “I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!” 

Whether you like her speech or not, Field has chosen to stop caring what anyone thinks about it. “First of all, I was winning my second Oscar,” she told New York Magazine in 2017. “So I’m allowed to say anything I f-cking want.” It’s hard to argue with a two-time Oscar winner. 

Patricia Arquette Inspires a Beautiful Meryl Streep GIF

When Patricia Arquette won Best Supporting Actress for Boyhood in 2015, she used her speech to stump for gender equality. “To every woman who gave birth. To every taxpayer and citizen of this nation,” she said. “We have fought for everybody else's equal rights. It's our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America.” While Arquette’s speech had its critics , she found fans in fellow nominee Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez, whose supportive responses turned them into the perfect GIF for those times when you need to hype yourself up.

Hattie McDaniel Makes Bittersweet History

In 1940, Gone With the Wind ’s Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to ever win an Academy Award, but she was almost not allowed to attend the ceremony. Her film’s producer David O. Selznick had to ask the then segregated Ambassador Hotel for permission to invite McDaniel, which they granted, but she was relegated to a separate table away from her white co-stars. 

Yet despite this, McDaniel, the daughter of formerly enslaved Americans, graciously thanked the Academy for their “kindness” in her Best Supporting Actress speech, which was not the one Selznick had prepared for her. She instead delivered a more personal one that she had written with help from her close friend Ruby Berkley Goodwin. “It has made me feel very, very humble, and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything I may be able to do in the future,” McDaniel said. “I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry.”

Following her win, McDaniel would become a polarizing figure in the Black community, with some arguing that she made a career out of playing racial stereotypes. Historian Jill Watts, who wrote the 2007 biography Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood , believes McDaniel’s place in Hollywood has been misunderstood. “She's an artist who's been resisting white domination with performance—up until she becomes involved in white show business,” Watts told Entertainment Weekly last year. “If you watch those performances, she's straitjacketed [by the writing], but she's trying to move her way out of that.”

Sacheen Littlefeather Rejects Marlon Brando’s Oscar

When Marlon Brando won the Best Actor Oscar for The Godfather in 1973, he chose to boycott the ceremony, sending Apache and Yaqui actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. The then-26-year-old respectfully refused the honor on his behalf in protest of Hollywood’s treatment and portrayal of Native Americans in film. Her speech received cheers, but also jeers from the crowd. (It has been reported that John Wayne was so angered by Littlefeather’s speech that he had to be restrained by security guards so he wouldn’t storm the stage.)

In 2022, four months before Littlefeather’s death, the Academy formally apologized to her for how she was treated that night. Littlefeather told The Guardian in 2021 that despite the boos she always knew what she had done that day was a necessary disruption. “It was not a performance, it was a real presentation,” she said. “I think that’s what took people by surprise: that it was so real. It really touches people’s hearts to this day.”

The Time the Oscars Got the Wrong Envelope

And the winner is … not La La Land . But for a few minutes in 2017, the cast and crew of the Damien Chazelle musical believed that they had won Best Picture. After all, presenter Faye Dunaway announced their film’s name as the winner. La La Land ’s producers were in the middle of giving their victory speeches when the truth was revealed: There was a mix-up with the envelopes and Moonlight had actually won the night’s top prize. It was one of the most shocking moments in Oscars history, and there are photos to prove just how flabbergasted stars like Matt Damon, Meryl Streep, and Busy Philipps felt in the moment that was very much happening live. 

Amidst all the hullabaloo, Moonlight director Barry Jenkins managed to give a speech that embraced the joy, but also the absurdity of the moment. “Very clearly, very clearly, even in my dreams, this could not be true,” he said. “But to hell with dreams, I'm done with it, 'cause this is true. Oh my goodness.” 

Joe Pesci Proves He Is a Man of Few Words

With just six words, Joe Pesci gave one of the most memorable Oscar speeches of all time. After winning Best Supporting Actor for Goodfellas in 1991, he walked up to the podium, shook his head in disbelief, and said, “It was my privilege. Thank you.” Later, when Pesci returned to the stage as a presenter, he smiled and said, “I still can’t talk,” amusing the crowd—but definitely not like a clown .

Irving Berlin Gives the Academy Award to Irving Berlin

Composer and lyricist Irving Berlin has the unique honor of handing the statue for Best Original Song to himself. In 1943, when he won the prize for his song “White Christmas” from Holiday Inn, he was also the award’s presenter. According to the Los Angeles Times , after opening the envelope and seeing his name, he told the crowd, “I’m glad to present the award. I’ve known him for a long time.”

Anna Paquin Is Nearly Speechless

Anna Paquin won Best Supporting Actress for The Piano in 1994 when she was just 11 years old, becoming one of the youngest performers to ever win an Academy Award. ( Tatum O’Neal holds the record for the youngest Oscar winner, having won Best Supporting Actress statue 20 years earlier at the age of 10 for Paper Moon .) So you can’t blame the girl for being in utter shock when she heard her name called. For nearly 23 seconds, she stood at the podium wide-eyed in her adorable bedazzled beret searching for the right words to say. It’s one of the purest displays of shock and joy you’ll ever see. 

Roberto Benigni Shows How to Make an Entrance

When Life Is Beautiful won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (now known as the Best International Feature Film) in 1999, the Italian film’s director, writer, and star Roberto Benigni made his way to the stage by climbing over the furniture and then bunny-hopping up the stairs into the arms of presenter Sophia Loren. The bit of acrobatics earned him a standing ovation, but he was too excited to even notice, telling the crowd, “I want to kiss everybody.” With all of that energy, we wouldn’t have put it past him to do it. 

Bong Joon Ho Pays Tribute to Martin Scorsese

By the time Bong Joon Ho had won Best Director for 2019’s Parasite , he had already collected awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature. So it was no surprise he wanted to talk about someone other than himself when he reached the podium that third time. “When I was young and studying cinema there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is, ‘The most personal is the most creative,’” he said with help from his translator Sharon Choi. “That quote was from our great Martin Scorsese .” The line earned Scorsese, who was nominated for The Irishman, a standing ovation and showed just how much he means to a new generation of filmmakers. 

Halle Berry Knew the Moment Was Bigger Than Her

In 2002, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win Best Actress, for her film Monster’s Ball. In her speech she paid tribute to those who came before her, including Dorothy Dandridge , who, in 1955, became the first African American woman nominated in that category. And those actresses who stood beside her in the fight for equality in Hollywood: Jada Pinkett Smith, Angela Bassett, Vivica A. Fox. “This moment is so much bigger than me,” Berry said through tears, adding, “It’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.”

Olivia Colman Is All of Us

Olivia Colman didn’t expect to win Best Actress for The Favourite in 2019 so, lucky for us, she hadn’t prepared a speech. Instead, when she got to the stage, she admitted how stressful award shows can be, apologized to fellow nominee (and projected winner) Glenn Close for stealing her thunder, and blew a kiss to Lady Gaga. All in all it may go down as the most relatable speech in Academy Awards history.

Adrien Brody’s Cringeworthy Kiss

In 2003, 29-year-old Adrien Brody went home with a little gold man for his Best Actor win for The Pianist , becoming the youngest actor to ever take home that prize . But not before stealing a kiss from his category’s presenter Halle Berry. “I bet they didn’t tell you that was in the gift bag,” he said after the off-the-cuff embrace, which reads as completely cringe now. 

Brody called the kiss one of the “most memorable moments ever. You could say time slowed down,” he told Vanity Fair in 2017. But Berry told Watch What Happens Live in 2017 that she was completely taken aback by the non-consensual smooch. “I was like, ‘What the f-ck is happening right now?!’” she joked. “And because I was there the year before and I know the feeling of being out of your body, I just f-cking went with it.” Maybe Berry deserves a second Oscar for that performance.

Rita Moreno Keeps it Short and Sweet

Rita Moreno made history when she won the Best Supporting Actress statue for West Side Story in 1962. Moreno, who is Puerto Rican, became the first Latina to win an acting Oscar. She also gave one of the shortest speeches in Academy Award history, saying just 11 words in seven seconds: “I can't believe it! Good Lord. I leave you with that.” 

In 2022, Moreno told the New York Times that she was convinced that Judy Garland was going to win the prize for her performance in Judgment at Nuremberg , and was even practicing her “loser face” for when the camera inevitably panned to her. But, when she won, she decided that she wasn’t going to thank anyone. “They didn’t give you the part as a favor,” she remembered thinking. “They were forced to give it to you because you did the best screen test.” Once she made that decision, she realized she didn’t have anything else to say. “And,” she told the Times. “I’ve been trying to make up for it with long acceptance speeches ever since.”

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová Get a Second Try

The Once songwriters won for Best Original Song in 2008, but only Glen Hansard was able to give a speech. Just as Markéta Irglová stepped in front of the microphone, the orchestra began playing the duo off the stage. Luckily, host Jon Stewart invited Irglová back to the podium so she could get a chance to deliver a lovely dedication to all the dreamers out there. “The fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this [award] is just proof that no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible,” she said. “Fair play to those who dare to dream, and don’t give up.” 

James Cameron Becomes King of the Oscars

Titanic ruled the 1998 Academy Awards, taking home 11 awards, tying it with 1959’s Ben-Hur for most wins . ( Lord of the Rings: Return of the King has since joined those two films, tyingthat record in 2004.) Perhaps all that gold went to Cameron’s head. In his Best Director speech, he quoted his film’s iconic “I’m king of the world” line and barked like a dog. Almost immediately, Cameron regretted the self-referential choice. “[Warren Beatty] was just looking at me like, ‘You poor boob, what the f-ck did you just do?'” he told the Hollywood Reporter in 2023. “And I went, ‘Oh, was that not cool? OK.’”

Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar-worthy Trip and Fall

After winning Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook in 2013, Jennifer Lawrence stumbled on her way to the Oscar stage. Her beautiful floor-length Dior gown may have tripped her up, but she didn’t miss a beat once she finally got to the podium. “You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell and that's really embarrassing,” she said. “But thank you. This is nuts.”

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Get Hyped

Childhood besties Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were in their twenties when they won their first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1998. (At 25, Affleck became the youngest person to ever win an Academy Award for screenwriting.) So when the Good Will Hunting writers took the stage, they couldn’t hide their youth. “I just said to Matt, losing would suck and winning would be really scary,” Affleck said to open their speech. “It's really, really scary.” Perhaps, that’s why Affleck’s voice cracked as he thanked everyone they knew including their moms, who were also their dates.

Michelle Yeoh Proves Age Is Just a Number

In 2023, Michelle Yeoh became the first Southeast Asian woman to win Best Actress for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once . “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities,” she said. “This is proof that dreams dream big, and dreams do come true.” But the 60-year-old actress also gave a special shoutout to those women of a certain age. “And, ladies,” she said. “Don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime.” 

Michael Moore Gets Political and Gets Booed

When Michael Moore won Best Documentary for Bowling For Columbine in 2003 , he decided to get political with his speech. Many in the crowd, however, seemed uninterested in hearing his opinions on President George W. Bush, booing at the first mention of the U.S.’s invasion of Iraq to destroy weapons of mass destruction, which had happened only days earlier. The less than supportive reaction didn’t stop the director from admonishing the Commander in Chief. “We are against this war, Mr. Bush!” Moore shouted just as the music began to play him off. “Shame on you, Mr. Bush! Shame on you!” 

In a 2017 op-ed for the Hollywood Reporter , Moore wrote that despite the criticisms of his speech at the time, he knows that he was right to speak out against the U.S. government's false claims that Iraq had WMDs . “People would later remember,” he wrote, “I’m ‘that guy who told the truth.’”

Sidney Poitier’s Speech Lives up to the Moment

Sidney Poitier ’s 1964 win for Best Actor in Lilies of the Field marked the first time a Black man had ever won in that category. It was a monumental win for the man who broke the color barrier in Hollywood , becoming a matinee idol who played characters that explored the full Black experience at a time when Black actors were too often expected to play racist stereotypes. 

“Because it is a long journey to this moment I am naturally indebted to countless numbers of people,” Poitier said before thanking his Lilies of the Field director and co-stars, as well as the members of the Academy. “For all of them, all I can say is a very special thank you.”

Jack Palance Shows Why You Shouldn’t Skip Arm Day

At the age of 73, Jack Palance won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for City Slickers . He celebrated his 1992 win by doing three one-armed push ups on stage to let Hollywood know that he wasn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. And he didn’t; he appeared in nine more movies before his death in 2006 at the age of 87. 

Viola Davis Proves Why She’s the GOAT

Viola Davis began her 2017 Best Supporting Actress speech for Fences in the cemetery. “You know, there's one place that all the people with the greatest potential are gathered. One place. And that's the graveyard,” she said. “People ask me all the time, ‘What kind of stories do you want to tell, Viola?’ And I say, exhume those bodies. Exhume those stories.” She went on to explain that as an actor she gets to tell the stories of those ordinary people who live phenomenal lives. It’s only fitting then that she ended her emotional speech by thanking her parents, “the people who taught me, good or bad, how to fail, how to love, how to hold an award, how to lose.” It also seems that they taught her how to give a speech for the ages.

Ruth Gordon’s Win Boosts Her Ego

Ruth Gordon made her film debut in 1915, but it took another 50 years for her to win an Oscar. In 1969, when she won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Rosemary’s Baby, she admitted that the little gold man was a boost to her self-esteem. “I can't tell you how encouragin' a thing like this is,” she told the audience, before thanking those who voted for her. “And all of you who didn't,” she said, “please excuse me.”

Marion Cotillard’s Perfect Hollywood Ending

Marion Cotillard began her 2008 Best Actress speech for the Edith Piaf biopic La Vie en Rose by telling the crowd that she was speechless. The French actress then went on to deliver a speech so quotable that it felt as if it had been written by a Hollywood screenwriter. “Thank you life, thank you love,” she said in English. “And it is true, there is some angels in this city.”

Denzel Washington’s Honors Sidney Poitier With Grace & Humor

Nearly 40 years after Sidney Poitier’s historic Best Actor win, Denzel Washington became the second Black man to take home the prize. (He had previously won for Supporting Actor in Glory in 1990.) Fittingly, Washington’s 2002 win happened on the same night Poitier received his honorary Oscar, a bit of happenstance that the Training Day actor just couldn’t ignore. “Forty years I've been chasing Sidney, they finally give it to me, what'd they do? They give it to him the same night,” he joked before gracefully paying tribute to the icon. “I'll always be chasing you, Sidney. I'll always be following in your footsteps,” he said. “There's nothing I would rather do, sir. Nothing I would rather do.”

Cuba Gooding Jr. Won’t Be Played Off

When Cuba Gooding Jr. won Best Supporting Actor for Jerry Maguire in 1997 , he knew he didn’t have much time. “I'm gonna rush and say everybody, and you cut away, I won't be mad at you,” he said. And when the Academy attempted to play him off, he just kept going, screaming his thank yous loud enough to be heard over the orchestra. Gooding’s career hasn’t reached similar heights since then, and in 2022 he pleaded guilty to a harassment charge. But all these years later, it remains one of the most exuberant speeches in Oscars history.

Tilda Swinton Thanks George Clooney and His Bat-Nipples

Tilda Swinton began her 2008 Best Supporting Actress speech by admitting that her agent looked very much like an Oscar. “Truly the same shape head,” she said. “And, it has to be said, the buttocks.” She ended it by thanking her Michael Clayton costar George Clooney for “the seriousness and the dedication to your art. Seeing you climb into that rubber bat suit from Batman & Robin , the one with the nipples, every morning under your costume, on the set, off the set, hanging upside-down at lunch,” she said. “You rock, man.” For many, it was a charming introduction to an actress whose talent knows no bounds—nor, apparently, do her speeches. 

Tom Hanks Brings the Audience to Tears

In 1994, Tom Hanks won Best Actor for Philadelphia , in which he plays an attorney who faces discrimination because he is gay and has AIDS. Hanks seemed to understand the importance of this moment and used it to pay tribute to his high school drama teacher Rawley Farnsworth and his classmate John Gilkerson. “Two of the finest gay Americans, two wonderful men that I had the good fortune to be associated with, to fall under their inspiration at such a young age,” he said. “I wish my babies could have the same sort of teacher, the same sort of friends.”

Hanks then eulogized AIDS victims including Gilkerson, an actor and puppeteer who died in 1989. “The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels,” he said with tears in his eyes. “We know their names.” 

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Transcripts

Winner's onstage and backstage transcripts.

Please note that transcript distribution is not immediate. Varying lengths of speeches and/or interviews may cause some transcripts to be delayed. Academy Awards transcripts are for use by legitimate press representatives only.

Acceptance Speeches

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

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ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

BEST PICTURE

CINEMATOGRAPHY

COSTUME DESIGN

FILM EDITING

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

PRODUCTION DESIGN

VISUAL EFFECTS

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)

DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)

DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)

SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)

SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

Backstage Interviews

Winner did not come to the interview room

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20 Best Oscar Speeches Ever

The feeling of winning and getting your name called out for an Oscar is indubitably the single most cherished memory and honor of an artist’s life. Striving everyday, being pervasively persistent on the road to the magnificent golden statue is what makes the winning memorable. And winning the trophy often evokes the truest of emotions, whose veracity is the most sanctimonious and pristine in the whole wide world. This has culminated in us witnessing superstars crying their heart out and losing all of their self-consciousness to just be free. The magnanimous platform often humbles the most taciturn of artists, and reiterates their belief in doing what they do. They also use this stage to profoundly express themselves and influence masses of the issues we as a society face. Right from race, politics and capitalism, to Mama June on a hot summer afternoon, the Oscars have seen it all.

There are a few, who aren’t liberated off their performances and image in the media, and come prepared, with a long litany of people to thank. And then there are some, who just enjoy the moment, and wing the whole thing as it were an SNL routine. Remembering these resonating and powerful acceptance speeches, the list envisages to mention some of these blithering addresses, which obliterate all the sense of being. Enjoy the list of the best and most iconic Oscar speeches ever. Happy Watching!

20. Tom Hanks (‘Philadelphia’)

Tom Hanks is one of the most lovable and relatable stars of the industry. His boy-next door charm and kind nature often manage to humble the sternest and uptight of people. He won his first ever Oscar for Jonathan Demme’s 1993 drama film, ‘Philadelphia’, which saw him play Andrew Beckett, a HIV patient whose homosexuality, ironically, is a cause of his insecurities and shame. He is eventually brought out in the limelight by his firm, who fire him for being an AIDS patient. Ridiculed and down-looked upon by the society, he endeavors to fight for himself and therein ensues one of the most endearing battle for justice in cinematic history. ‘Phialdelphia’ become one of the first mainstream movies to highlight the issue of HIV and homosexuality, and did so with maternal care and augmenting style. The tearful Hanks in the above video did accidentally let out two of his homosexual friends, who were still in the closet. But despite that, his powerful message to the world about AIDS and homosexuality made his Oscar acceptance speech one of the most iconic speeches of all time.

19. Sally Field (‘Norma Rae’)

The genius of Sally Field was obscure to my conscience until I witnessed her endearing performance as Ol’ Marry Todd (‘Hateful Eight’ reference) in the 2012 film ‘Lincoln’. Upon further viewings of her provocative performances, I stumbled upon ‘Norma Rae’ and was blissfully moved. No wonder she won the Oscar for her performance. During her acceptance speech, she reiterated the words ‘I like you’ from the movie and confused audiences with her cryptic yet evocative speech. Her child-like enthusiasm and lady-like manners make for an enjoyable watch.

18. Jack Palance (‘City Slickers’)

When a 60-year old man does one-arm superman push-ups, you are bound to have a complex, regardless your age. Such was the case with Jack Palace when he won the Oscar for Best Actor in Supporting Role for the 1992 film ‘City Slickers.’ His protracted repartee with the host Billy Crystal and his dazed and confused look, as what to do next, quickly became the highlight of the show. The hand-gestures, true confessions about the discrimination against the senior citizens of the society were truly heart-touching. “42 years later, you were right, you son of a bitch!” made my day!

17. Julia Roberts (‘Erin Brokovich’)

Julia Roberts is one of the prettiest and desired women in the world. People often misconstrue her good looks with her not being an able actor, and downsize her unblemished talent and ability to captivate audiences. She proved all the naysayers wrong with her Oscar winning performance in ‘Erin Brokovich’. And boy did she make it count! In her fun-filled and emotional address, she touched upon various subjects like her “sisterhood” with the fellow nominees and how her name, starting with an ‘R’ makes her last on every list.Her polite request and warning to the composer made us laugh our hearts out. “And sir, you are doing an amazing job, but you are so quick with the sticks, so why don’t you sit down, because I might never be here again.”

16. Michael Caine (‘The Cider House Rules’)

Sir Michael Caine is only one of the two actors (the other being Jack Nicholson) to have been nominated for an Oscar in every decade since 1960 to the 2000s. The mercurial actor has two Oscars to his name, the latter being  win for ‘The Cider House Rules’. Most prominently recognized for his distinctive working class cockney accent, the man is a legend. The rousing applause and congratulatory hugs from his fellow nominees showed what a reverential figure he is in the industry. What beckoned even more respect for the venerable actor, was his stand for changing “the winner is” to “the Oscar goes to”. Being humble in his win, and his acknowledging of the fellow performances of his nominated peers made this a truly iconic speech.

15. Gwyneth Paltrow (‘Shakespeare in Love’)

The sobbing acceptance speech is perhaps the most articulate and lucid Paltrow ever could have been. Crying rivers and sobbing incessantly, she made others shed tears and took the award to a rapturous and accepting crowd. Even though her performance might not have been the finest among the nominees to her own admission, Paltrow undoubtedly deserved to take the golden statue home. Her honest yet resonant words will forever remain etched into the memory of not just the hundreds present in the auditorium that day, but the millions watching her on TV.

14. Matthew McCaughaney (‘Dallas Buyers Club’)

Alright. Alright.Alright. There is no man more charismatic and easy-flowing as this guy in the industry. This unique blend of raw sexuality and religious solidarity is a blessing for the industry. The sprawling southern accent, which makes every word spoken like a pearl dropping out of his mouth, captivated us on that night. The amazingly well structured speech, which perhaps will give you new found strength to pursue your goals in life, encapsulated the spirit with which he lives his life. In a nutshell, it was simply outstanding.

13. Lupita N’Yongo (’12 Years a Slave’)

The Academy’s racist proclivities have been a topic of constant debates and discussions in recent times. Many have accused them of being partial and disregarding artist of color and their endearing performances. Well, the Academy wasn’t able to help itself but recognize and honor one of the most harrowing performances by an artist in recent times. Playing a slave cotton-worker in one of the numerous souther plantations in ’12 Years a Slave’, N’Yongo solidified her credentials in celluloid with her performance. The eloquent and gracious outfit, coupled with moving words about one of biggest atrocities against mankind, the speech resonated in the auditorium like a lion’s roar and will forever be ensconced in our memories.

12. Adrien Brody (‘The Pianist’)

Adrien Brody became the youngest actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading role as Wladyslaw Spillzman, a simpleton musician who becomes a victim of religious persecution and probably the most brutal crime against humanity. The harrowing performance not only garnered universal critical praise, but also brought him under the scanner and into the eyes of global cinephiles. His scandalous smooch with Halle Berry will forever remain one of the most iconic moments in Oscar history. And as they say, “I bet they didn’t tell you this came in your gift basket.”

11. Joe Pesci (‘Goodfellas’)

“It’s my privilege. Thank you.” And like that, he was gone. At two seconds long, it remains the shortest ever Oscar acceptance speech, and doesn’t seem to be breached soon either.

10. Kate Winslet (‘The Reader’)

Kate Winslet is a thoroughly underrated actress in the industry. Her performances over the years have earned her a well deserved seven Academy nominations, also making her the youngest to do so. She was quickly descending into Meryl Streep territory until the elusive win for ‘The Reader’. The role of Hanna Schmitz, a former guard at a Nazi concentration camp, and a present defendant in a war-crimes trial, was tailor-made for the exuberant actress, and her scathing vulnerability on screen. She took us on a ride even your girlfriend couldn’t have taken you, with her tryst with relationships and tenoning grip on reality. A special moment for a special actress.

9. Patricia Arquette (‘Boyhood’)

Equality among both the genders has been an issue that has found its voice with many-a-great personalities of our time. A similar war was waged by Patricia Arquette in her Oscar acceptance speech for her performance in ‘Boyhood’. In a crisp and succinct address, she touched upon the issue of equality among women with wages in the industry. In a formidable baritone and firmness in her rights, she pointed out the fact how men in the industry are more valued with more recognition and higher wages. The speech remains a cornerstone for equality for women not only in the industry, but also various other fields in the world.

8. Leonardo DiCaprio (‘The Revenant’)

When it finally happened, it was worth it. The whole world cringed and rejoiced in profound happiness when Leonardo DiCaprio, perhaps the finest actor of our generation, won his first Oscar after a string of award-worthy nominations. His win was the most talked about piece of news among the masses, inspiring a hoard of caricatures and memes. But what stood out in his speech was the importance lent to one of the most bludgeoning issues at hand : global warming. His valiant defense of natives and their lands, along with an expedient urgency regarding climate change made him a stand out among his peers in being a responsible citizen. He has since been an ambassador for climate change and the awareness of the dire consequences, if left unnoticed.

7. Robin Williams (‘Good Will Hunting’)

The range this guy possessed was really outstanding. One could never have imagined him featuring in dramatic roles, and yet he changed the way dramatic roles were portrayed. Winning the Oscar for his scintillating performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’, with the park monologue being one of the greatest of all time, the humble Williams opted for a subdued approach in his speech.

6. Daniel Day Lewis (‘Lincoln’)

This guy is probably the greatest actor in the history of cinema. His dedication and drive is unmatched in the industry, with many even going on record to dub him as “retarded” and “insane”. He made history with an unprecedented third Oscar win in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category, completing the triumvirate with his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Speilberg’s ‘Linclon’. Receiving the award from the great Meryl Streep, the unison saw two of the greatest actors in cinematic history together. With some quick-witted remarks and brutal honesty, Day Lewis won hearts with his endearing homage to the great man of America. A truly well deserved Oscar!

5. Marlon Brando (‘The Godfather’)

Odd choice! The speech mentioned here is the one that Brando didn’t give. Or he gave it in spirit. I don’t know. But what I do know is, the significance of the speech on his behalf forever changed the face of cinema in Hollywood. He didn’t turn out to take his award for his marvelous performance as the godfather in its namesake in protest for atrocities against Native Indians. Their persecution and negative portrayal in the industry didn’t find a supporter in Brando, who sent out a representative with a 15 minute long speech. Even though it didn’t turn out to be that long, it had a significant effect on the way Native Indians were portrayed in the following years. Kudos Brando!

4. Cuba Gooding Jr (‘Jerry Maguire’)

I really feel an actor winning the Oscar for ‘Jerry Maguire’ was bound to happen. But I think they messed up the names and Cuba Gooding Jr ended up winning the award instead of Tom Cruise. Well, the celebration certainly wasn’t downtrodden, with the mercurial actor out speaking the man with the sticks. The over enthusiastic acceptance does make for a fun watch. Perhaps overawed by the win and thanking the charm Gods?

3. Viola Davis (‘Fences’)

She is without doubt the most powerful of thespians in the industry. Her formidable speech and her excruciating and penetrating emotions often make you cringe with pain and agony. We are perhaps lucky, and blessed in some mysterious ways, to have an actress like that in the industry. And one of the most memorable speeches of all time came not long back ago, when Davis won the Best Actress in a supporting role for ‘Fences’. Oh, boy, the way she talked, with this driving force, that compelled us to stand and applaud, that sent shivers down our spines, is unparalleled. Her profound sense of belongingness humbled one and all present there, and made our hearts ring with solidarity.

2. Robert Benigni (‘Life is Wonderful’)

‘Life is Beautiful’ was a revolutionary film when it first came out. The tangible emotions in the film touched one and all, and set the industry on a new course towards acceptance of foreign films. He won two Oscars that night, one for the Best Foreign film, and the other for Best Actor in a leading role, which overwhelmed his person and brought out one of the most funniest and bizarre acceptance speeches of all time. But it was the first one on the night that stood out. Ascending chairs and standing with his arms out in triumph, like he had won the world, followed by his rabbit like cadence, hoping enthusiastically to the stage, Benigni set the night alight. So good a watch! “This is a terrible mistake, because my English isn’t good.”

1. Halle Berry (‘Monster’s Ball’)

This remains the most exhilarating and iconic acceptance speech of all time. Visibly shaken and thrilled to have won the award, Berry had an instantaneous reaction of crying her heart out the moment her name was announced. Not only did she become the first woman of color to win in the leading category, she also etched her name into history books with record breaking views on her acceptance on You-tube. She just couldn’t control herself and sobbed incessantly, with only futile attempts to console her by fellow peers around her. That display of unbridled emotions is emblematic of the discrimination against black artists in the industry and their indignations against the overlooking of worthy performances. The video is so heart-felt and touching, it will give you goose bumps, just the way it did to millions watching that day. “This moment is so much bigger than me. And this is for all women of color, who have a chance with the door today being opened!”

Read More: Best Actors Without Oscars

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Home / Oscars / Awards Databases / Academy Awards Acceptance Speeches

Academy Awards Acceptance Speech Database

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Year: 2023 (96th) Academy Awards

Category: Writing (Original Screenplay)

Date & Venue: March 10, 2024; Dolby Theatre

JUSTINE TRIET: Thank you so much. Whoa. It will help me through my mid-life crisis, I think. This is a crazy year. Anyway. This is glamour tonight. Contrasts slightly with, with all it, what it start before. We were stuck in the house with two kids. It was a lockdown. And we hook them up to cartoons for peace. And, yeah, there was no line, I think, between work and diapers. ARTHUR HARARI: And then along came two other people, a woman and a man, the producers Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion. And -- yeah. And actually, that's when things got a little crazy. It was like mixed doubles ping-pong played by neurotic French [unintelligible]. And, but there was nothing between us or above us, only total independence and freedom. And that's the only way we could make that film so, [holding up the Oscar] that's for that. JUSTINE TRIET: I want to thank all the cast, of course, Sandra, Swann, Milo, Antoine, all the cast for what you did on set. You killed the script on set. And that's what we -- that's the best for writers, for directors. Thank you so much. Thank you. It's such an honor. Thank you.

© Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences [Note: All winners are present except where noted; NOT all winners may have spoken.]

2024 Oscars: The Best Moments and Most Amazing Speeches From Hollywood's Biggest Night!

Oscars 2024 recap: must-see moments and what didn't air on tv, dwayne johnson tears up over chris janson's idea to honor the rock’s late dad (exclusive), uma thurman on reuniting with john travolta & samuel l. jackson for 'pulp fiction' 30th anniversary, 'pulp fiction': john travolta shares memories of working with bruce willis (exclusive), 'abigail': dan stevens and kathryn newton on being soaked in blood (exclusive), jason kelce reveals why he refuses to wear underwear, 'field of dreams' turns 35: kevin costner predicts emotional reactions in 1989 interview (flashback), kim kardashian and emma roberts passionately kiss in 'ahs: delicate', zendaya recreates serena and venus williams' iconic vogue shoot, ‘hit man’: glen powell plays undercover criminal in new dark comedy, prince william makes first official appearance since kate middleton's cancer reveal, jennifer love hewitt shares first-ever photo of her 3 children, orlando bloom on supporting his kids if they follow in his thrill-seeking footsteps (exclusive), blake shelton wants these celebs to make an appearance at his vegas bar (exclusive), why rihanna felt it was important to speak the 'truth' about her post-baby body (exclusive), 'svu's mariska hargitay helps child who mistook her for real-life police officer, patti stanger on why she believes relationships with ‘big age gaps’ don’t work (exclusive), daytime emmys 2024: outstanding talk series host and lead actress nominees revealed (exclusive), glorilla arrested on suspicion of dui in georgia (bodycam video), eminem's daughter hailie jade thrives on her bikini boat bachelorette party, m. night shyamalan: 'trap' trailer no. 1, check out all the highlights from hollywood's biggest night..

The stars were shining bright on Sunday! This year's  Academy Awards  brought out the biggest names in Hollywood for a night of fun and celebration.

Coming together at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, this year's Oscars was a musical performance-filled gala that also served as a celebration of cinema greatness and delivered some truly unexpected surprises and category upsets.

Hosted once again by Jimmy Kimmel  -- serving as emcee for the fourth time -- the comedian brought his deft and innate comedic talent for a memorable night of recognition and entertainment.

From some long-awaited wins to some truly touching acceptance speeches, here are all the best, biggest and most memorable highlights from Sunday's 96th Oscars ceremony!

Jimmy Kimmel Shows Union Solidarity in Opening Monologue

In his fourth time as host, Kimmel felt confident and comfortable poking gentle fun at celebs without hurting feelings. However, he also made sure to infuse some genuine meaning into his monologue by celebrating the union teamsters and crew members who worked hard to support SAG and the WGA during their strikes.

Kimmel welcomed a big group of IATSE members onto the stage and and promised, "In your upcoming negotiation, we will stand with you, too. And also, I'm going to make sure the show goes really long tonight, so you get a ton of overtime."

Cord Jefferson Delivers Rousing Call for More Small-Budget Films

After winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for American Fiction ,  Cord Jefferson used his time on stage to deliver an impassioned plea for Hollywood execs to take more risks when it comes to funding small budget projects from unknown filmmakers.

"I understand that this is a risk-averse industry, I get it, but $200 million movies are also a risk, you know? And it doesn't always work out, but you take the risk anyway," Jefferson shared. "Instead of making one $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies. Or 50 $4 million movies... I feel so much joy being here, I felt so much joy making this movie, and I want other people to experience that joy, and they are out there, I promise you."

Billie Eilish Shows Exactly What She Was Made For

The Oscars are known for their over-the-top performances of the nominees for Best Song. However, Billie Eilish managed to deliver one of the most powerful performances possible with nothing more than her brother Finneas O'Connell on piano and her crooning into a microphone (and a full orchestra just off stage). The singer belted out her Barbie track, "What Was I Made For?" and earned a tearful, breathless, roaring standing ovation from the star-studded audience -- including a stunned Ariana Grande, a crying Margot Robbie and a cheering Kate McKinnon.

John Cena Strips Down to Present Best Costume

Every time he appears in anything, it seems John Cena's comedic timing gets more and more perfected -- and that all culminated with his jaw-dropping Oscars presentation for Best Costume , when he took the stage fully nude, covering his privates with nothing but the winner's envelope.

Originally planned as a joke about the infamous Oscars streaker, Cena explained he no longer wanted to do the bit, because the Oscars were too elegant for such nonsense, but he wound up baring all anyway, and was saved by Kimmel fashioning a toga for him to maintain his dignity.

Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling Bicker Over 'Barbenheimer' Rivalry

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's hilariously caustic banter was a better promo for their upcoming action rom-com The Fall Guy than any trailer could ever be. The pair took the stage for a special spotlight honoring stunt performers, but largely featured Blunt and Gosling playfully arguing about Oppenheimer and Barbie , and came to an end when Blunt accused Gosling of painting on his abs, before he angrily grabbed the mic away and demanded that they put an end to their feud. The pair had an effortless chemistry that made their presentation banter among the best we've seen at any awards show this year.

'Godzilla Minus One' VFX Creators Celebrate Historic With With Mini-Godzillas

When Godzilla Minus One took home the Oscar, it made history as the first foreign language film and first Japanese production to ever win the honor. It's also the first Godzilla franchise film to ever win any Oscar of any kind. Additionally, director Takashi Yamazaki, who also served as the film's VFX director, became the first director to win an Oscar for Best Visual Effects since 1969, when Stanley Kubrick snagged it for 2001: A Space Odyssey.

To commemorate the monumental win, the film's VFX team took the stage to accept the award and brought along some mini Godzillas as well, to share the spotlight with the iconic monster for one of the most adorable and sweet moments of the night.

Ryan Gosling Delivers a High-Kenergy Musical Performance

Appearing on stage accompanied by more than a dozen backup singers and dancers, Ryan Gosling -- joined by Slash and several of the other Kens from Barbie including Ncuti Gatwa, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Scott Evans and Simu Liu -- tapped into his inner Ken doll while wearing a pink sparkly suit and sunglasses to unleash the Kenergy on the audience members, starting out in the crowd before coming up to the front of the room.

The  La La Land  actor -- who started his career in Hollywood as a member of the Mickey Mouse Club -- gave a stunning (and comedic) rendition of the song, which peaked on the charts following the film's release. By giving it his all and then going into the audience to sing along with stars, Gosling provided one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history.

The  2024 Academy Awards , hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, airs live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on ABC. Follow along at  ETonline.com  for full Oscars coverage, including red carpet arrivals, the  complete winners list  and more.

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Joaquin Phoenix, Chloe Fineman, and More Support Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars Speech in Open Letter

In the weeks since Jonathan Glazer’s acceptance speech at this year’s Oscars ignited a blistering political firestorm, swarms of voices have either condemned or supported his carefully delivered words that subtly referenced Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. As pro-Palestine protests raged outside the ceremony on March 10, Jonathan Glazer, shaking with conviction, brought his own antiwar sentiments to the 96th Academy Awards, taking his action to the stage with the Best International Feature Film win for his stark Holocaust drama, The Zone of Interest . In his acceptance speech, the director wondered how we can resist “dehumanization,” saying the Academy Award–winning historical drama is just as much a look at “what we do now.” It was the only onstage acknowledgment of what’s happening in Palestine, as most celebrities opted to wear a red pin and let that speak for itself.

Glazer’s words were met with swift criticism from conservative pundits, condemnation from Jewish groups like the Holocaust Survivors Foundation, and an open letter signed by Jewish artists denouncing the speech. They were provoked by one specific element of the speech, which said, “Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many innocent people.” The Zone of Interest director found support with other industry figures. On April 5, a separate group of Jewish creatives signed an open letter, writing how “alarmed” they were to see industry peers “mischaracterize and denounce his remarks.” Below, Glazer’s full speech and the backlash that followed. Jump to the latest reactions here .

Read the full transcript of Glazer’s speech:

Thank you so much. I’m gonna read. Thank you to the Academy for this honor and to our partners A24, Film4, Access, and Polish Film Institute; to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for their trust and guidance; to my producers, actors, collaborators. All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present — not to say, “Look what they did then,” rather, “Look what we do now.” Our film shows where dehumanization leads, at its worst. It shaped all of our past and present. Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many innocent people. Whether the victims of October the — [Applause.] Whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanization, how do we resist? [Applause.] Aleksandra Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk, the girl who glows in the film, as she did in life, chose to. I dedicate this to her memory and her resistance. Thank you.

Why was Glazer misquoted?

Shortly after the speech, Glazer was misquoted online , including by Variety , which later corrected a story. It originally wrote that Glazer said, “Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness.” The full quote is, “Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many innocent people.”

Other misunderstandings and false claims about Glazer were shared online. Conservative Ben Shapiro wrote on Twitter that “In Jonathan Glazer’s Zone of Interest, you don’t see one Jew. Those are the best Jews, according to Glazer: the faceless victims screaming in the distance. Ironically, he’s the villain: picking up awards from the bodies of those anonymous dead Jews while ignoring the living ones getting slaughtered in the Gaza Envelope by genocidal murderers.” There are, in fact, Jewish characters in the film, though The Zone of Interest does intentionally focus how non-Jewish Germans emotionally distanced themselves from the horrors they were committing.

Multiple groups released open letters denouncing Glazer’s speech

On Monday, March 18, over 450 creatives in the entertainment industry, including Debra Messing, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Amy Pascal, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Eli Roth, Sherry Lansing, Joel Fields, and Joe Weisberg, signed a letter denouncing Glazer’s speech, according to Variety . Their group statement reads: “We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination.” Glazer has not responded to the letter.

Richard Trank, producer of the Oscar-winning Holocaust documentary The Long Way Home , wrote a guest column in The Hollywood Reporter , published on March 13. “One thing I do know is that many Jews around the world were outraged and disgusted by what the Oscar winner had to say at this year’s Academy Awards,” he wrote. “And joining that group, I would say that if we are going to resist or refute anything, it’s statements like the one issued by Jonathan Glazer.”

In response to Glazer’s speech, the Holocaust Survivors Foundation president David Schaecter said in an open letter , dated March 11, “You made a Holocaust movie and won an Oscar. And you are Jewish. Good for you. But it is disgraceful for you to presume to speak for the six million Jews, including one and a half million children, who were murdered solely because of their Jewish identity.” He went on: “If the creation, existence, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish state equates to ‘occupation’ in your mind, then you obviously learned nothing from your movie.”

Has anyone from the film commented?

None of the stars of The Zone of Interest have commented yet. A spokesperson for Len Blavatnik, one of the producers on the film, who was onstage during the acceptance speech and is a staunch supporter for Israel, told Variety that “Mr. Blavatnik is extremely proud of  The Zone of Interest and the acclaim it has received. His long-standing support of Israel is unwavering.”

Has Glazer made a statement since the speech?

Jonathan Glazer hasn’t spoken publicly since winning the award, including skipping the backstage pressroom after his speech.

Jewish creatives support Glazer’s speech

Joaquin Phoenix , Elliott Gould, and Chloe Fineman were among the 151 Jewish artists to sign an open letter in support of Glazer’s Oscars speech on April 5. “We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks,” the letter read. “Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign, which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation. We grieve for all those who have been killed in Palestine and Israel over too many decades, including the 1,200 Israelis killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks and the 253 hostages taken.”

The letter emphasized how the fierce rebuke of Glazer could negatively impact the industry: “The attacks on Glazer also have a silencing effect on our industry, contributing to a broader climate of suppression of free speech and dissent, the very qualities our field should cherish. Glazer, Tony Kushner, Steven Spielberg, and countless other artists of all backgrounds have decried the killing of Palestinian civilians. We should all be able to do the same without being wrongly accused of fueling antisemitism.” Other notable signatories include Lenny Abrahamson , Annie Baker , Kate Berlant , Janicza Bravo , Joel Cohen, Ilana Glazer , Todd Haynes , Hari Nef , and Boots Riley .

Kirsten Dunst and Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner were among those who previously came out in support of Glazer. “My interpretation was he was saying that genocide is bad,” Dunst said in a Variety interview on April 3. Kushner felt similarly. “What [Glazer’s] saying is so, is so simple,” he said in Deadline on March 20. “He’s saying Jewishness, Jewish identity, Jewish history, the history of the Holocaust, the history of Jewish suffering must not be used in a campaign as an excuse for a project of dehumanizing or slaughtering other people. This is a misappropriation of what it means to be a Jew, what the Holocaust meant, and he rejects that.” He added, “Who doesn’t agree with that? What kind of person thinks that what’s going on now in Gaza is acceptable?”

This story has been updated with additional information.

• oscars 2024
• the zone of interest
• jonathan glazer
• acceptance speeches
• awards season
• israel-hamas war

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The biggest moments from the 2024 Oscars

All the he highlights in one place, from great speeches to actual surprises

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Share All sharing options for: The biggest moments from the 2024 Oscars

The Oscars is one of the biggest — if not the biggest — nights in the American entertainment industry every year, and the 2024 Oscars were no different. All the stars were out tonight, from Best Actor nominees like Jeffrey Wright, Paul Giamatti, and Cillian Murphy to Best Director nominees like Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Jonathan Glazer.

The night always kicks off before the event officially starts, with some absolutely killer red carpet moments (and this year, a very good dog made a special appearance). Best Supporting Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph and The Zone of Interest director Jonathan Glazer gave some powerful speeches. Billie Eilish and Ryan Gosling brought the Barbie soundtrack to life. The Boy and the Heron beat out some worthy competitors for Best Animated Feature.

Oh, also John Cena got naked!

In case you missed the three-hour-long broadcast — or you just want to relive some of the best moments — here are the biggest moments from the 2024 Academy Awards.

Messi seated at the Oscars

No need to worry—Messi, good boy and star of ‘Anatomy of a Fall,’ has arrived at the #Oscars . : https://t.co/sLzfVpOVJj pic.twitter.com/CSo5dTd7Jy — VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) March 10, 2024

The Oscars is all about deciding who is the year’s best actor, actress, and director, but one question that’s somehow eluded the Academy until this year: Who’s a good boy? Or rather, who is the year’s goodest boy? Messi the dog from Anatomy of a Fall , that’s who! There was a bit of uncertainty if everyone’s favorite pooch was coming to this year’s ceremony, but luckily, Messi was able to clear his busy schedule to make an appearance at Hollywood’s biggest night.

Eugene Lee Yang stuns in his scene-stealing Oscar look

It’s expected that if you’re walking the red carpet for the Oscars, you need to show up in your most eye-popping formal attire. Nimona star and former Try Guy Eugene Lee Yang showed up tonight intent to take home the honor for this year’s most attention-grabbing ensemble: An elegant red suit jacket complimented with a long flowing dress bottom.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph wins best speech with the night’s first speech

Da’Vine Joy Randolph gave a moving speech while accepting the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers . Co-star Paul Giamatti, who walked Da’Vine up to the stage when her name was announced, shed visible tears as Randolph talked about the power of being seen, accepted, and celebrated for her worth and thanking her mother, teachers, and publicists for guiding and supporting her in her career.

The Boy and the Heron wins, Hayao Miyazaki stays home

While this year’s Best Animated Feature category was stacked with terrific nominees, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron were the films most favored to win the prestigious award. After months of anticipation, The Boy and the Heron was finally revealed to be this year’s winner for Best Animated Feature.

His first feature-length animated film in over a decade, The Boy and the Heron marks Miyazaki’s second time winning the award for Best Animated Feature after his landmark win for 2001’s Spirited Away .

Cord Jefferson calls out risk-averse studios taking risks on $200 million movies

Cord Jefferson accepted the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on American Fiction . In his speech, Jefferson took a moment to call out Hollywood studios to take more chances on original films like American Fiction. “I understand this is a risk-averse industry,” Jefferson said. “But instead of making one $200 million movies, try making ten $20 million movies. The next Scorsese is out there, the next Nolan is out there; they just want a shot.”

Billie Eilish melts the audience by performing “What Was I Made For?”

Billie Eilish took the stage with her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell for a stirring orchestral rendition of her song ‘What Was I Made For?’ from the Barbie soundtrack. The song is nominated for this year’s Best Original Song alongside fellow Barbie track “I’m Just Ken.”

Naked John Cena gets performance anxiety streaking across the stage

John Cena at the #Oscars stage. pic.twitter.com/735IsDTbC3 — Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 11, 2024

The male body is not a joke, Jimmy Kimmel .

And in case you were wondering... yes, he really was buns out.

Yep, Cena’s actually naked #OSCAR pic.twitter.com/SDh4kie5FO — Matthew Belloni (@MattBelloni) March 11, 2024

The Zone of Interest director Jonathan Glazer calls attention to the ongoing Israeli-Palestine conflict

Jonathan Glazer accepts the Best International Feature Oscar for The Zone Of Interest: “All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present. Our film shows where dehumanisation leads at its worst.” He goes on to relate that to the dehumanisation happening in the… pic.twitter.com/qwPXxk7SVC — Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) March 11, 2024

Jonathan Glazer took time in his acceptance speech for Best International Feature on behalf of The Zone of Interest to call out the historical parallels between the events of the Holocaust drama and the ongoing humanitarian crisis of the Israeli-Palestine conflict. “All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present,” Glazer said. “Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst.”

Robert Downey Jr. wins Best Supporting Actor, thanks his lawyer

In a career first, Robert Downey Jr. won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer . “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood, and the Academy, in that order,” Downey said. “I’d like to thank my veterinarian – I meant, wife, Susan Downey. She found me a snarling rescue pet, and loved me back to life.”

Messi applauding for Robert Downey Jr. for his win

Wake up babe: the new #Oscars meme just dropped! #Oscars2024 #AnatomyofaFall pic.twitter.com/5TjAhAQ3J2 — Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 11, 2024

D’aww, who’s a good boy? Messi’s a good boy!

Twins stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunite on stage, air shared animosity for the Caped Crusader

Light the Bat-Signal! Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito have taken to the stage to present the Oscar for Visual Effects. "We both tried to kill Batman," joked Schwarzenegger... cut to Michael Keaton in the audience #Oscars2024 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/XwpCW6Rbgg — Total Film (@totalfilm) March 11, 2024

“Batman, that son of a bitch.”

Godzilla Minus One wins the award for Best Visual Effects

With plastic Godzilla toys in hand, the visual effects team for Godzilla Minus One and Director Takashi Yamazaki took to the Oscars stage to accept this year’s award for Best Visual Effects. In a moving speech, Yamazaki compared his team to the underdog efforts of Rocky Balboa — beating the odds to prove that no matter what, everyone has a chance.

20 Days in Mariupol director accepts Oscar, saying he wished he never had to make the film in the first place

Director Mstyslav Chernov accepts the Best Documentary Feature Oscar for 20 Days In Mariupol: “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history. And I’m honoured. But probably I’ll be the first director on this stage who will say, 'I wish I never made this film'. I wish I could… pic.twitter.com/UVRiE24VKM — Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) March 11, 2024

20 Days in Mariupol director Mstyslav Chernov took to the stage to accept the award for this year’s best Documentary Feature. In his acceptance speech, Chernov called attention to the auspiciousness of the Oscar win — the first in Ukrainian history — and expressed his sincerest wish that the history of the Russian-Ukrainian war is told and remembered truthfully.

“I’ll be the first director on this stage who will say, ‘I wish I never made this film’,” Chernov said. “I wish I could exchange this for Russia never attacking Ukraine, never occupying our cities. I cannot change the history, I cannot change the past. But all together – among you, some of the most talented people in the world – we can make sure the record is set straight, and the truth will prevail. And that the people of Mariupol and those who have given their lives will never be forgotten. Cinema forms memories, and memories form history.”

John Mulaney recaps Field of Dreams

John Mulaney explaining the entire plot to Field of Dreams instead of presenting his category at the Oscars lol. king pic.twitter.com/5q98HfH5ur — Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 11, 2024

After extolling some great lines of cinema (including “He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died ”), John Mulaney went into a rapid-fire SparkNotes rundown of the plot of Field of Dreams , using the phrase “ghost baseball” several times more than any Oscar ceremony on record.

Ryan Gosling performs “I’m Just Ken,” Slash plays guitar!

In a sparkly pink suit, Ryan Gosling started to croon Ken’s big anthem from the audience, before he took the the stage with a group of fellow Kens. It was bright and pink, with big Barbie face props and some karate chops. Also, Slash from Guns N’ Roses!

Billie Eilish and Finneas make all young people look bad by winning second Oscar before turning 30

Greta Gerwig being a proud mom and running up to Billie Eilish and Finneas after their Oscar win is so cute pic.twitter.com/vkHYEXhoOp — Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 11, 2024

Billie Eilish and Finneas accepted the Oscar for Best Original Song for “What Was I Made For?” In an emotional speech, Eilish thanked director Margot Robbie and everyone who was deeply affected by Barbie and the song. With this win, Billie Eilish became the first woman to win the “Triple Crown” (Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe) for a work of film music twice.

Christopher Nolan wins Best Director, gets played off by the theme for Pirates of the Caribbean

Christopher Nolan took home the award for Best Director on behalf of Oppenheimer. In his acceptance speech, Nolan thanked his wife and producer Emma Thomas, and commented on how honored he felt to be considered a part of cinema’s century-long legacy. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here, but to know that you think I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.” Then, they played him off to Hans Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme. Weird!

Emma Stone wins Best Actress with a broken dress

For her role as Bella Baxter in Poor Things , Emma Stone won the award for Best Actress, tearfully accepting the award (and pointing out to the presenters that her dress broke, probably some time during the “I’m Just Ken” performance). Stone looked incredibly surprised to accept the award, especially when up against Lily Gladstone and Sandra Hüller.

“It’s not about me,” Stone said, referring to what Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos advised her about a possible acceptance speech. “It’s about a team that came together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. That is the best part of making movies.”

Oppenheimer wins Best Picture, Al Pacino says... something?

Al Pacino presented the award for Best Picture, announcing Oppenheimer ’s win in a trail of syllables that everyone in the audience was able to make out just well enough for the winners to take the stage. Producer Emma Thomas Nolan gave the acceptance speech, thanking the Academy, her children, and her husband Christopher Nolan. “The reason this movie is the movie it was, was Chris Nolan. He’s singular, he’s brilliant… and I’m so grateful for you.”

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Joaquin Phoenix, Joel Coen & Todd Haynes Among 150 Signatories Of Open Letter In Support Of Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar Speech 

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More than 150 Jewish industry professionals, including Joaquin Phoenix , Joel Coen , and Todd Haynes, have lent their names to a new open letter penned in support of Jonathan Glazer ’s much-debated Oscars acceptance speech . Scroll down to read the full letter and list of names. 

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The open letter states that the signees “support Jonathan Glazer’s statement from the 2024 Oscars,” adding they have been “alarmed” to see their industry colleagues “mischaracterize and denounce his remarks.” 

“Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign, which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation,” the letter reads. 

The letter adds: “Glazer, Tony Kushner, Steven Spielberg, and countless other artists of all backgrounds have decried the killing of Palestinian civilians. We should all be able to do the same without being wrongly accused of fueling antisemitism.”

The open letter concludes: “We stand with all those calling for a permanent ceasefire, including the safe return of all hostages and the immediate delivery of aid into Gaza, and an end to Israel’s ongoing bombardment of and siege on Gaza.”

Today’s letter is the latest industry-wide intervention published concerning Glazer’s politically-orientated Oscars speech. Back in March accepting the Best International Feature Oscar, Glazer spoke at length and highlighted what he described as the shared ideology behind the subject matter in Zone Of Interest and contemporary world events. 

“Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many innocent people. Whether the victims of October the. Whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanization, how do we resist? Aleksandra Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk, the girl who glows in the film, as she did in life, chose to. I dedicate this to her memory and her resistance. Thank you.”

The British filmmaker has yet to speak publicly as voices from across the political spectrum have spoken out to praise and criticize his speech. Earlier this week, however, Glazer submitted two signed film posters to the Cinema For Gaza fundraising campaign. Other high-profile supporters of the campaign include Tilda Swinton and Ken Loach. The campaign passed $50,000 in one day. 

Full Letter

We are Jewish artists, filmmakers, writers, and creative professionals who support Jonathan Glazer’s statement from the 2024 Oscars. We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks. Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation. We grieve for all those who have been killed in Palestine and Israel over too many decades, including the 1200 Israelis killed in the October 7th Hamas attacks and the 253 hostages taken. The attacks on Glazer also have a silencing effect on our industry, contributing to a broader climate of suppression of free speech and dissent, the very qualities our field should cherish. Glazer, Tony Kushner, Steven Spielberg, and countless other artists of all backgrounds have decried the killing of Palestinian civilians. We should all be able to do the same without being wrongly accused of fueling anti-semitism.

In his speech, Glazer asked how we can resist the dehumanization that has led to mass atrocities throughout history. For such a statement to be taken as an affront only underscores its urgency. We should be able to name Israel’s apartheid and occupation—both recognized by leading human rights organizations as such—without being accused of rewriting history. As the Director of the Auschwitz Memorial, Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, wrote, “The Zone of Interest is not a film about the Shoah. It is primarily a profound warning about humanity and its nature.” We must not reserve this warning for a single group. To preserve our humanity and ensure our mutual survival, we must sound the alarm when any group faces such brutality and acts of erasure.

We are proud Jews who denounce the weaponization of Jewish identity and the memory of the Holocaust to justify what many experts in international law, including leading Holocaust scholars, have identified as a “genocide in the making.” We reject the false choice between Jewish safety and Palestinian freedom. We stand with all those calling for a permanent ceasefire, including the safe return of all hostages and the immediate delivery of aid into Gaza, and an end to Israel’s ongoing bombardment of and siege on Gaza.

We honor the memory of the Holocaust by saying: Never again for anyone.

Signatories

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Oscars 2024 Highlights: Backstage at The Academy Awards

Oscars 2024  is over as is the competition between the  Oscars 2024 nominees  to take home the most coveted prize in film, the Oscar®. Though the ceremony has ended, some memorable moments from backstage carry on right here. The winners don't always have enough time to finish their acceptance speeches. Cue the play-off music! That's why we give them as much time as they want to give a shout-out to as many people as they want with the "Thank You Cam." Take a look at some of the best behind-the-stage moments here and thank "you" for watching!

Watch Oscars 2024 winner Robert Downey Jr.'s Thank You Cam Oscar acceptance speech for Actor in a Supporting Role for OPPENHEIMER

Watch Oscars 2024 winners Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell's Thank You Cam Oscar acceptance speech for Music (Original Song) for 'What Was I Made For?' from BARBIE.

Watch Oscars 2024 winner Ludwig Goransson's Thank You Cam Oscar acceptance speech for Music (Original Score) for OPPENHEIMER. 

Watch Oscars 2024 winners Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn's Thank You Cam Oscar acceptance speech for Sound for THE ZONE OF INTEREST. 

Watch Oscars 2024 winners Ben Proudfoot, Kris Bowers and Porche Brinker's Thank You Cam Oscar acceptance speech for Documentary Short Film for THE LAST REPAIR SHOP. 

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Brett Gelman Says Oscars Shouldn’t Be Political After Jonathan Glazer’s Speech Referencing Israel-Hamas War | Video

He criticizes attendees for not standing up and saying “this is f–king bulls–t, man” when “Zone of Interest” speech didn’t mention the Holocaust

Brett Gelman told SiriusXM’s Ron Bennington that he doesn’t think awards shows, like the Academy Awards, should get political.

The actor mentioned “The Zone of Interest” director Jonathan Glazer’s speech at this year’s awards, which referenced the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and ongoing warfare in Gaza and grabbed attention with Glazer stating that he refuted his Jewishness being hijacked. Gelman questioned why nobody in the room at the Oscars challenged it.

“When Jonathan Glazer made that speech and we saw people wearing those red pins, I don’t think that the Oscars should be a political event. I don’t think awards shows should be a political event,” he said. “But if somebody’s going there and is not telling the full truth, I know that there are people in that audience who knew the full truth and who, or maybe they don’t. I don’t know. I just, that nobody got up and said, ‘This is f–king bulls–t, man.’ You’re accepting an award for a Holocaust movie and you don’t even mention the victims of the Holocaust?”

Gelman went on to share his thoughts on supporting Israel and the motivation behind the Oct. 7 attack, criticizing Glazer’s perspective.

“You just equate Israel to the Nazis? Are you out of your f–king mind? What are you doing and do you not see what’s happening in the streets of your city of London and our universities? Do you not hold any responsibility for what you’re saying here?” he continued. “And I’m sorry. Does Hamas not exist? Do you believe that they are just the resistance? Do you believe this lie that Oct. 7th happened as a reaction to Palestinian persecution? It absolutely did not. It was full Islamic jihad. That’s all it was. It was the conquest to erase Israel. It was not revenge for anything that has happened to the Palestinian people.”

The actor had earlier recounted moments when Jews at Oscars parties expressed quiet support for his pro-Israel stance and comments when they felt like they couldn’t speak up themselves.

“I went to some of these Oscar parties. I got Jews in the shadows going, ‘Come here, come here. Brett, Brett, come here,’ and then I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah, yeah. Hey,’” he said. “‘I just want to say thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. You know, I can’t say anything. You know, two of my clients are with the Islamic… and they’re doing real well, real well, so you know, I can’t say anything, but for me and my family, it means so much.’”

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Need a way to celebrate 420? Weed recommend these TV shows and movies about stoners

Puff, puff, pass the remote. 

The "high" and holy holiday of 4/20 is upon us once again, with plenty of pungent programming to toke. For the uninitiated, April 20 is an unofficial holiday also known as "Weed Day," dedicated to all things marijuana . It's traced back to 1971, when a group of high schoolers from San Rafael, California, known as the Waldos, agreed to meet at 4:20 p.m. with map in hand to search for a plot of marijuana plants that had been abandoned by its owner.

The notion of 420 as a countercultural celebration became a thing in the 1990s when a group of Grateful Dead fans posted flyers in Oakland, California, urging fans to light up on April 20 at 4:20 p.m.

What is 4/20? How April 20 became a holiday for weed-lovers everywhere

Wherever you fall on the pot spectrum, we're here to suggest stoner-themed movies and TV shows for just about every altered state, all of which are available to rent, buy, watch for free or stream with a subscription. 

If you need a toke of stoner wisdom: 'The Big Lebowski' 

If you think there's a more quotable stoner movie than "The Big Lebowski," well, that's just, like, your opinion, man. The Coen brothers' 1998 cult classic is an offbeat crime caper about a shaggy, White Russian-swilling stoner named The Dude (Jeff Bridges), who gets pulled into a ransom scheme involving a rich philanthropist's two-timing trophy wife (Tara Reid). Featuring an all-star cast including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi and John Goodman (Oscar-worthy as a foul-mouthed Vietnam vet), the film also has plenty of outlandish dream sequences that are best enjoyed after a few bong rips. 

Where to watch:   Hulu and Peacock

If you want to have your mind completely blown: 'Annihilation'

Next to 2023's " Beau Is Afraid ," one of the trippiest movies we've ever seen bar none is "Annihilation," Alex Garland's highbrow, thought-provoking 2018 thriller that bombed at the box office but has since become a source of endless analysis by science fiction fans. Natalie Portman stars as a biologist who ventures into a mysterious, bubble-like area called "The Shimmer" to find her missing husband (Oscar Isaac). There, she and her all-female team of scientists discover mutated creatures and eye-popping landscapes as they gradually lose their minds. The final 30 minutes – in which Portman encounters her alien-like double – will make you feel high without even smoking. 

Where to watch: Prime Video

If you miss getting high with your friends: 'Broad City'

Oh, Abbi and Ilana, how we miss you. Few series better capture New York in all its sweaty, smelly, scrappy glory than "Broad City." If you want to live vicariously through Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson as they smoke a bowl and go on delightfully absurd adventures, this is your show. 

Where to watch: Hulu and Paramount+

If you want to see how much attitudes about marijuana have changed: 'Reefer Madness'

Picture an after-school special with 1930s production values and you've got "Reefer Madness," a black-and-white morality tale intended to scare young people away from experimenting with "the burning weed with its roots in hell" – which, if you believed the film, might lead teens to commit murder, suicide or order someone to play the piano as fast as possible. But by the 1970s, "Reefer Madness" came to be seen as a case study of everything pot opponents got wrong – and something unintentionally hilarious to watch while blazing up. It even inspired a 2005 musical parody starring Alan Cumming and Kristen Bell.

Where to watch: Tubi and MGM+

If you want a classic with your chronic: 'Up In Smoke'

Pot comedy got its start this 1978 Cheech and Chong caper, in which the comics unwittingly drive a "fiberweed" van built entirely out of hardened marijuana resin from Mexico to the USA while being tailed by an incompetent narcotics officer (Stacy Keach).

Where to watch:   Paramount+ and Pluto TV

If you're going to be at it for a while: 'That '70s Show'

Eight seasons' worth of basement antics from Eric Forman and his friends should be more than enough to outlast anyone's weed supply.

Where to watch:   Peacock

If Sean Penn will always be Spicoli to you: 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'

If you're under 30, you've probably only ever known Penn, a two-time Oscar winner, as a Serious Dramatic Actor, having played a grieving father in "Mystic River," a condemned prisoner in "Dead Man Walking" and a gay political icon in "Milk." But Penn's big break came in this 1982 high school comedy, in which he played stoner dude Jeff Spicoli, whose worldview can be summed up thusly: "Surfing's not a sport, it's a way of life, it's no hobby. It's a way of looking at that wave and saying, 'Hey, bud, let's party!' "

Where to watch:  AMC+ and Philo

If you like bromantic bud comedies: 'Pineapple Express'

"Up in Smoke" may have invented the stoner movie genre, but this 2008 comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as a process server and a pot dealer having a very bad night gave rise to an entire strain of marijuana. "As we were writing it," Rogen explained to The Cannabist in 2014, "we said, 'If we're ever at a weed store or buying weed and someone offers us Pineapple Express, we'll know we've made it !"

Where to watch: Netflix

If you like to contemplate the universe while high: 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey' 

At least you'll know you are high while watching Neil deGrasse Tyson ponder the mysteries of the galaxy, as opposed to the time I nearly collided with Neil deGrasse Tyson while getting on the elevator at work and wondered if the cold medicine I was on at the time was messing with my head. (Thankfully, we had photographic evidence of his visit, proving that I did not hallucinate the whole thing.)

Where to watch:   Tubi

If you want to feel alright, alright, alright: 'Dazed and Confused'

Like Penn, Matthew McConaughey has graduated to playing Oscar-caliber roles – and thinking deep thoughts in Lincoln commercials. But the difference is that McConaughey still begins his Oscar acceptance speech by saying, "All right, all right, all right!" And that unscripted line came from his very first scene in his very first movie: "Dazed and Confused," the 1993 Richard Linklater comedy in which the unknown Texan played a 20-something who had nothing better to do than hang out with high schoolers on the last day of classes.

Where to watch:  Peacock

If you still quote 'Chappelle's Show' regularly: 'Half Baked'

Catch glimpses of Dave Chappelle's future greatness (including his Lil' Jon impression) in this 1998 comedy, which he co-wrote and starred in as Thurgood Jenkins, a research laboratory janitor who sells the pot intended for use in an FDA study so he can bail his friend out of jail. Eventually, Thurgood and his pot-selling alter ego, Mr. Nice, become a little too successful, incurring the wrath of the local drug dealer.

If you've ever used the phrase 'Bye, Felicia': 'Friday' 

Rapper Ice Cube and writing partner DJ Pooh set out to create a "hood classic," and they pulled it off with this semi-autobiographical 1995 comedy about two friends (Cube and Chris Tucker) trying to figure out how to repay their pot dealer $200 before 10 p.m. And one throwaway line ("Bye, Felicia") entered the popular lexicon as a way to dismiss annoying people. Not too shabby for your first major script. In 2015, Friday even returned to theaters for a special 20th anniversary engagement on – you guessed it – 4/20.

If you'd do anything to satisfy your munchies: 'Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle'

Potheads are a suggestible lot. Mention any kind of junk food to them when the munchies are kicking in and they'll set off on an epic quest to find it. Such is the case for investment banker Harold (John Cho) and his medical school applicant buddy Kumar (Kal Penn), who see an ad for White Castle while getting stoned in this 2004 film and decide nothing else will satisfy their hunger but a bag of sliders – even if they have to survive a ride of terror with Neil Patrick Harris and hang-glide to get their hands on them.

Where to watch:  Tubi

If you think it's fun to mix Mickey Mouse and marijuana: 'Fantasia'

More than 75 years after its release, this animated classic, consisting of eight segments – including one on the history of Earth and another featuring Mickey as a sorcerer's apprentice – remains Disney's trippiest film, and the best companion for cannabis.

Where to watch:  Disney+

If you like to combine your sinsemilla with superheroes: 'Chronic-Con Episode 420: A New Dope'

Comedian and @midnight panelist Doug Benson has managed to milk two documentaries out of his marijuana habit: 2008's "Super High Me," in which he took a cue from Morgan Spurlock and spent a month off of pot and the next on a lot of it, and 2015's "Chronic-Con," in which he spends an entire Comic-Con stoned. And he may be onto something: being high would at least make it easier to stomach the exorbitant wifi fees at the convention center.

Where to watch: Tubi

Watch CBS News

Taylor Swift fans speculate her songs are about Matty Healy and Joe Alwyn – who are they?

By Caitlin O'Kane

April 19, 2024 / 1:21 PM EDT / CBS News

Taylor Swift dropped her highly-anticipated "The Tortured Poets Department" on Friday and at 2 a.m. the star surprised fans by dropping an additional 15 tracks, calling it a "double album." Fans furiously began dissecting the lyrics of the songs, trying to discern who they were about. Many speculate most songs are about her recent exes, Matt Healy and Joe Alwyn. Who are they?

Who is Joe Alwyn?

Alwyn, a 33-year-old British actor, and Swift began dating in 2016 and broke up last year while she was on her Eras tour. He is known for films like the Oscar-nominated "The Favourite" and "Mary Queen of Scots." 

Swift, known for writing songs about her high-profile relationships and giving fans Easter eggs as to who they are about, has admitted to writing songs about Alwyn before. In 2022, she told Entertainment Tonight that the song "Lavender Haze" from her album "Midnights" is about wanting to stay in the "lavender haze" feeling you have when you're in love – even when it's made difficult. 

"Like my relationship for six years, we've had to dodge weird rumors, tabloid stuff and we just ignore it. This song is sort of about the act of ignoring that stuff to protect the real stuff," she said.

Alwyn has even contributed to Swift's albums before, under the pseudonym William Bowery, ET reports. He is credited in the track "Sweet Nothing" on "Midnights" as well as several songs on "Folklore and "Evermore," her two 2020 albums. 

Swift confirmed in her documentary "Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions" that Alwyn was on those albums. He contributed to the songs "Exile," "Betty," "Champagne Problems," "Coney Island" and "Evermore" and even won a Grammy for his work.

Alwyn lives in London, so fans speculate her track "So Long To London" on "The Tortured Poets Department" is about their breakup. 

After her public feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in 2016, Swift "moved to a foreign country," she told Time Magazine during her "Person of the Year" cover interview last year. "I didn't leave a rental house for a year. I was afraid to get on phone calls." These feelings are reflected in the lyrics of the song. 

Several songs on the new album are about a difficult breakup, including "Down Bad," "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys," "Fresh Out the Slammer," and " Fortnite," which features Post Malone.

Who is Matty Healy?

Healy is a member of the band 1975. He and Swift have supported each other's music throughout the years – with the pop star attending one of his concerts in 2014.

Romance rumors swirled then, and Healy said in a 2016 interview with Q Magazine that he had a "flirtation" with Swift, which gained him news coverage, but that she "wasn't a big impact" on his life, ET reports.

Healy once wore a t-shirt promoting Swift's 1989 album during a concert and Swift was photographed wearing a 1975 shirt.

When "Midnights" came out in 2021, Healy admitted his band recorded a song with Swift for the album but it didn't make the cut.

Then, about a month after her breakup with Alwyn, Healy attended the Eras tour in May 2023, and the pair were photographed holding hands. They were spotted together several times, but called it quits in June, ET reports.

Fans speculate her song new, "Fortnight," is about Healy because of the several blatant references to their mutual friends.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're gonna screw this up with me, But you told Lucy you'd kill yourself if I ever leave," she sings, seemingly referring to Lucy Dacus, a member of the band Boygenius.

"And I had said that to Jack about you so I felt seen, Everyone we know understands why it's meant to be," she sings in another verse, seemingly referring to her frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, who helped Swift and Healy reconnect, a source told ET. 

Travis Kelce

After her brief relationship with Healy, Swift began dating Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce after he attended an Eras tour concert. Their relationship soon became a massive spectacle, with fans and media following their every move. 

Swift was first seen at a Chiefs game in September 2023 and attended several other games, often bringing celebrity friends. There was much fanfare over her attendance at the  Super Bowl, which the team won . She is even attributed with  boosting sales of Kelce's jersey.

Fans speculate her new song "Alchemy" is about Kelce because the love song includes many subtle football references.

"So when I touch down, call the amateurs and cut 'em from the team," she sings.

Swift and Kelce often travel to be together and "touch down" could be a play-on-words for a football touchdown.

"These blokes warm the benches, we've been on a winning streak," she sings in another line.

"Where's the trophy? He just comes runnin' over to me," is a line that fans speculate is about Swift and Kelce embracing after his Super Bowl win.

Kim Kardashian

On "The Tortured Poets Department," there is a song called "thanK you aIMee" – stylized so the letters KIM are capitalized. Fans believe this is a blatant reference to Kim Kardashian.

Aside from referencing a "bronze spray-tanned statue," which likely refers to spray tan fan Kardashian, Swift appears to sing about the fallout after her feud with Kardashian and Kanye West, the rapper known as Ye. 

Ever since Ye interrupted Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs, there has been tension between the artists that seems to have never gone away.

When Ye released a song that referenced Swift in 2016, Swift claimed she was not OK with the lyrics. But Kardashian released audio from a phone call between Swift and Ye during which Swift appears to give the rapper her blessing to mention her in the song.

"All that time you were throwin' punches, it was all for nothin'," Swift sings in "thanK you aIMee." 

"I wrote a thousand songs that you find uncool, I built a legacy, which you can't undo, But when I count the scars, there's a moment of truth, That there wouldn't be this if there hadn't been you," she sings in another song. 

The three appeared to have mended their rift several times, with Ye sending Swift flowers and Kardashian and Swift seen dancing during a Ye performance at an awards show. But the feud was seen to have damaged Swift's reputation – and fans believe her album "Reputation" was inspired by the fallout. In her Time interview, Swift called the scandal "a career death." 

• Taylor Swift

Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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