The Golden Oscar Speeches That Shook the Academy Awards

The Oscars are not just a celebration of talent and achievement; they are also a platform for memorable and moving speeches. Over the years, certain acceptance speeches have stood out not only for their eloquence but for the powerful messages they convey. Here are some of the most notable Moments.

Tom Hanks: Keeping His Mouth Shut

In 1994, Tom Hanks gave an acceptance speech that would go down in Oscar history. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his exceptional portrayal. His humorous yet heartfelt speech went: “I accept this very gratefully for keeping my mouth shut. I think I’ll do it again.” The response was immediate applause. It might seem like a simple and relaxed comment, but it contained a profound message about humility and hard work.

Jane Wyman: A Humorous Twist

Jane Wyman's acceptance speech for Best Actress award for Johnny Belinda was memorable for its funny twist. She quipped, "I accept this very gratefully for keeping my mouth shut. I think I’ll do it again." The joke was a nod to the silent film era and her own career beginnings. Her words were lighthearted but also hinted at the challenges of entering an industry dominated by male actors.

Julie Andrews: A Misunderstood Legacy

Julie Andrews' acceptance speech for her Academy Award for her role as Mary Poppins was traditional and sweet. However, her speech at the Golden Globe Awards for the same role was a work of brilliance. After thanking several people, she concluded with a heartwarming message to Jack Warner of Warner Bros Studios. She said, "Thank you Jack Warner for having made a wonderful movie and for making this award possible." This comment was a subtle acknowledgment of a historic choice that turned her career around.

Her statement, however, was a backhanded compliment expressing that Jack Warner had originally chosen Audrey Hepburn for My Fair Lady. Andrews had been the original choice for the role but was ultimately passed over. Warner's decision freed Andrews to star in Mary Poppins and win both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. The audience cracked up, while Warner was brought to tears, making this speech a brilliant and unexpected twist.

Ben Johnson: A Heartwarming Thanks

Ben Johnson's acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor at the 1971 Academy Awards was perhaps one of the most honest and heartfelt of all time. He said, “This couldn’t have happened to a nicer feller.” Johnson's simplicity and sincerity resonated, showing the joy of achieving an Oscar for a role that came from the heart.

Jared Leto: A Speech for the Ages

The Oscar speech that truly captured the spirits of the night and the emotions of a generation had to be Jared Leto’s in 2014 for Best Supporting Actor in Dallas Buyers Club. In his moving acceptance speech, he honored his mother and brother, and extended empathy and understanding to people struggling for their dreams.

He said, "In 1971, in Bossier City, Louisiana, there was a teenage girl who was pregnant with her second child. She was a high school dropout and a single mom, but she somehow managed to make a better life for herself and her children. She encouraged her kids to be creative, to work hard, and to do something special. That girl is my mother and she’s here tonight. And I just want to say I love you, Mom. Thank you for teaching me to dream. To my brother Shannon, the best big brother in the world, you’re a true artist. Thank you so much for sharing this insane and amazing adventure that is Thirty Seconds to Mars and for being my best friend. I love you. Thank you."

He continued, “To all the dreamers out there around the world watching this tonight in places like the Ukraine and Venezuela, I want to say we are here. And as you struggle to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible, we are thinking of you tonight. This is incredibly special as well because there are so many people that helped me get here. … And, this is for the 36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS. And to those of you out there who have ever felt injustice because of who you are or who you love, tonight I stand here in front of the world with you and for you.”

Leto’s speech was a powerful call to action, a moving tribute to his family, and a message of support for those facing injustice and challenging circumstances. The speech underscored the importance of empathy and unity in the face of adversity, symbolizing the spirit of Oscar night.

In summary, these Oscar speeches stand as a testament to the power of words and the impact they can have. From laughter and tears to heartwarming tributes and powerful messages, they remind us of the significance of storytelling and the importance of recognizing and celebrating our achievements.