The Oscars, a night of glitz, glamour, and the most iconic moments in Hollywood history. From the red carpet looks to the jaw-dropping performances, the Oscars never disappoints. But what truly leaves us in awe are the speeches delivered by the award recipients. In this article, we’re going to take a trip down memory lane and relive seven Oscar moments that left us speechless.
- Halle Berry’s Speech in 2002
“This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It’s for the women that stand beside me, Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. And it’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened. Thank you. I’m so honored. I’m so honored. And I thank the Academy for choosing me to be the vessel for which His blessing might flow.”
In 2002, Halle Berry became the first black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her speech was not only emotional but also empowering. She dedicated her win to the black women who had come before her, paving the way for her success. Berry’s speech reminded us of the struggles women of color have faced in Hollywood and how important it is to continue to break barriers.
2. Lupita Nyong’o’s Speech in 2014
“When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid. Thank you.”
In 2014, Lupita Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “12 Years a Slave”. Nyong’o’s speech was not only heartfelt but also inspiring. She spoke about the importance of pursuing your dreams and never letting anyone tell you that you can’t achieve them. Her message resonated with people around the world, especially young girls who saw themselves in her.
3. Patricia Arquette’s Speech in 2015
“To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, 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.”
In 2015, Patricia Arquette won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Boyhood”. Arquette used her acceptance speech to advocate for equal pay and equal rights for women. Her speech was met with thunderous applause and cheers from the audience, showing just how important this issue is.
4. Frances McDormand’s Speech in 2018
“I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider.”
In 2018, Frances McDormand won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. Her speech was not only powerful but also called for action. McDormand urged the industry to include an “inclusion rider” in contracts, which would require diversity and inclusion in casting and production. Her speech sparked a national conversation about the lack of diversity in Hollywood and the need for change.
5. Mahershala Ali’s Speech in 2019
“I want to dedicate this to my grandmother, who has been in my ear my entire life, telling me that if at first, I don’t succeed, try, try again. That I can do anything I put my mind to. Always, always, pushing me to think positively. And I know that I would not be here without her.”
In 2019, Mahershala Ali won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Green Book”. Ali’s speech was heartfelt and personal. He dedicated his win to his grandmother, who had been a source of inspiration and support throughout his life. Ali’s speech reminded us of the importance of family and the impact they can have on our lives.
6. Joaquin Phoenix’s Speech in 2020
“I think at times we feel or are made to feel that we champion different causes, but for me, I see commonality. I think, whether we’re talking about gender inequality or racism or queer rights or indigenous rights or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice.”
In 2020, Joaquin Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Joker”. Phoenix used his acceptance speech to call for unity and to recognize the interconnectedness of various social justice issues. His speech was a reminder that all forms of injustice are worth fighting against and that we can work together to create a more just and equitable world.
7. Chloe Zhao’s Speech in 2021
“This is for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold onto the goodness in themselves and to hold onto the goodness in each other, no matter how difficult it is to do that. And this is for you, you inspire me to keep going.”
In 2021, Chloe Zhao won the Academy Award for Best Director for her film “Nomadland”. Zhao’s speech was both humble and inspiring. She spoke about the importance of holding onto goodness and faith, even in the face of adversity. Her words resonated with audiences and showed that sometimes the simplest messages can have the greatest impact.