The Best Speeches at the 2015 Oscars: Why Graham Moore’s 'Stay Weird' Won the Crowd
What makes a memorable speech at the Oscars? This year, the 2015 Oscars had its fair share of speeches that were both heartfelt and humorous. However, one speech stood out from the rest, earning thunderous applause and standing ovations. This article explores the standout speeches of the 2015 Oscars, with a particular focus on Graham Moore's memorable Stay Weird acceptance speech.
Why Graham Moore’s Speech Stood Out
Graham Moore's acceptance speech for The Imitation Game Best Adapted Screenplay category was a beacon of simple yet profound wit. Anzer women and men alike, the speech resonated with its heartfelt and humorous lines. Here's the speech in full:
“Stay weird, don’t let anyone scare you away from the weirdness in you, keep on making weird movies, writing weird stories, doing weird things, and weird music and art and science and anything because that is what makes us beautiful and different and awesome and I just wanted to say, thank you to you all for making movies, for making music, for being weird. Stay weird, please stay weird.
And then the crowd gave him a standing ovation and some teared up at his moving speech. Graham Moore’s undoubted simplicity made an indelible mark, proving that sometimes, less can be more when it comes to powerful speeches.
Other Notable Oscar Speeches of 2015
While Graham Moore’s speech was unforgettable, several other speakers left their mark with memorable lines and moments. Here are some of the other noteworthy speeches from the 2015 Oscars:
1. J.K. Simmons - Best Supporting Actor for "Whiplash"
J.K. Simmons' humorous yet heart-warming speech for Best Supporting Actor Whiplash highlighted his own accolades and dedicated them to all the aspiring musicians in the audience. His speech encouraged nominees to take the stage and do something.
“If you’re not the awards guy, don’t worry. If you’re not a winners guy, this is a terrific moment. You know? If you win, go on and win, and if you don’t, go and do something.
All right, thank you. Thank you very much,”
2. Pawe? Pawlikowski - Best Foreign Language Film for "Ida"
Pawe? Pawlikowski's accepting speech for Ida was both witty and poignant. His line about making a film about silence in the epicenter of noise and attention struck a chord with many.
“We made a film about the need for silence, withdrawal from the world, and contemplation, and here we are at this epicenter of noise and attention. Life is full of surprises!!”
3. Alejandro González I?árritu - Various Awards
Director Alejandro González I?árritu's acceptance speeches for multiple awards, including Best Visual Effects for Interstellar and Best Animated Feature Film for Big Hero 6, were filled with humor and poignancy. His Best Visual Effects speech was another moment the audience laughed and clapped for.
“This is another amazing 'simple' line to remember: 'Everything is forgiven Neil, Neil, Neil…'"
4. John Legend and Common - Best Original Song for "Glory" from "Selma"
John Legend and Common's speech for Best Original Song "Glory" from Selma was a powerful tribute to the African-American movement and its enduring quest for justice. The speech was both timely and benevolent, addressing the underrepresentation of women in the film industry.
“We are told that history is written in the lives of great men. But there are many songs and film stories about men, but where are the stories about women? No, no, no.. How are we raising our young people? This is for the little girls and boys who have the same right as men to dream great dreams and have these dreams come true. And we must say it today and every day - let's end our silence now and raise our voices for the progress for the women who haven't yet made their stories and songs. Let's make the truth more than a story, let's make it the truth.”
Conclusion
This year's Oscars were filled with memorable speeches that ranged from heartfelt to humorous. Graham Moore's "Stay Weird" speech, however, was a standout. It was simple yet profound, touching on themes of inclusivity and creativity. To this day, his response to the cheers from the crowd remains a highlight from the evening.
After a year full of memorable speeches, it's clear that the 2015 Oscars had more than its fair share of standouts. Whether it was humor, heart, or both, these speeches will be remembered long after the ceremony is over.