There is nothing better than when our favorite movies are honored at the Oscars, but when an actor or actress shines with a perfect acceptance speech; we feel all the more happy to cheer on their perfect performance.
There are so many memorable speeches that it is hard to narrow down just a few, but there are some that make your spine tingle and your heart race. The Oscars are just one of the many reasons that the world is enamored with cinema.
Sally Field – “Places in the Heart”
Field was up against many hard-hitting actresses at the 1985 Academy Awards. Sissy Spacek, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Lange, and Judy Davis rounded out the category for Best Actress. Sally Field gave such a lovely speech that it brought tears to many eyes. “You like me” was a quote heard ’round the world.
Hillary Swank – “Boys Don’t Cry”
This monumental and groundbreaking movie has been a gateway for LGBT awareness. Swank’s portrayal of Brandon Teena has caused a firestorm of not only controversy but most importantly, activism. This acceptance speech says it all and more.
Jack Palance – “City Slickers”
While the film may have seemed a bit amusing and rough and tumble to some, Palance shined in his role as Curly Bill, gaining him a Best Supporting Actor award. His portrayal of this wizened character showed how much the legendary actor was wise beyond his years, and his acceptance speech offers exactly the same. Try not to laugh at this excellent speech!
Adrian Brody – “The Pianist”
Who can forget the Oscar kiss witnessed by everyone on the planet? Upon accepting his Oscar for Best Actor, Brody gave a big and celebratory smooch to presenter Halle Berry. It was Brody’s first Oscar nomination and win for his portrayal of Władysław “Wladek” Szpilman, a film documenting Szpilman’s time in Nazi-occupied Poland. Also, note how Brody cuts off the deadly “it’s time to wrap up your speech” music. Classic class.
Jennifer Lawrence – “Silver Linings Playbook”
A breathless and very candid Oscar speech delivered by Lawrence, just after falling up the steps to accept her award for Best Actress, endeared her to Oscar viewers the world over. Silver Linings Playbook was a poignant landscape of artistry but the real shining moment was Jennifer’s exceptional acceptance.
People are entranced with the Academy Awards for not only the movies that they love but also their favorite stars who let their personalities shine when they take the stage to accept an award. The acceptance speech continues to be the best part of this historical awards ceremony.
