Buzz
On Sunday, February 27, 2011, the 83rd Annual Academy Awards will air, drawing millions of viewers from more than 200 countries. This star-studded event, Hollywood's most celebrated night, will showcase the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world. While the Oscars have seen countless iconic moments over the years, this list highlights the most remarkable acceptance speeches. From bold political declarations to unexpected physical stunts like one-armed push-ups, these celebrities made the most of their brief time in the spotlight, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the industry alike.
10. Marlon Brando 1973 Best Actor, The Godfather
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Marlon Brando, the legendary method actor known for stirring controversy, made headlines at the 45th Academy Awards by boycotting the event. Instead, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather, an advocate for American Indian Rights, to represent him. When Brando was announced as the Best Actor winner, Littlefeather, dressed in traditional Apache attire, stepped onto the stage. She gracefully declined the Oscar statuette with a hand gesture and delivered a short speech on Brando's behalf, explaining his refusal was a protest against the misrepresentation of Native Americans in Hollywood.
9. Adrien Brody 2003 Best Actor, The Pianist
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At 29, Adrien Brody became the youngest actor to win the Best Actor Oscar, a milestone that matched the vibrant energy of his acceptance speech. As he rushed to the stage, Brody surprised everyone by sweeping presenter Halle Berry into his arms, dipping her, and delivering an impromptu, passionate kiss. The audience and Berry herself were left stunned yet amused by Brody's unrestrained display of excitement.
8. Sally Field 1984 Best Actress, Places in the Heart
Few Oscar acceptance speeches are as iconic as Sally Field's heartfelt yet slightly clumsy moment. Winning her second Academy Award, Field expressed her joy at finally earning respect as an actor, emphasizing how this victory felt more meaningful than her first win for 1979's Norma Ray. She concluded her emotional speech with the frequently misquoted line, 'I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!' Though often parodied, even by Field herself, many didn’t realize she was referencing a line from Norma Ray: 'You like me.'
7. Michael Moore 2003 Best Documentary Feature, Bowling For Columbine
Known for his bold political stance, filmmaker Michael Moore stunned the Academy during his 2003 acceptance speech for Bowling For Columbine. Instead of the usual gratitude, Moore invited his fellow nominees on stage and used the platform to criticize then-President George W. Bush and the recent U.S. invasion of Iraq. He declared, '...we are against this war, Mr. Bush. Shame on you, Mr. Bush, shame on you. And, whenever you’ve got the Pope and the Dixie Chicks against you, your time is up.' His words sparked a mix of cheers and boos from the audience.
Moore’s speech elicited a divided reaction, with the audience responding with both applause and disapproval.
6. Cuba Gooding Jr. 1997 Best Supporting Actor, Jerry McGuire
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Cuba Gooding Jr.'s reaction to winning the Best Supporting Actor award was nothing short of euphoric. His heartfelt speech, where he expressed gratitude to his family and God, perfectly captured his genuine happiness. As the orchestra began to cue him offstage, Gooding enthusiastically shouted 'I love you' to everyone involved in the film, prompting the audience to rise in a joyous standing ovation.
5. James Cameron 1998 Best Director, Titanic
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James Cameron's acceptance speech for the Best Director award took an unexpected turn when he decided to quote his own film, Titanic, exclaiming, 'I’m the king of the world!' followed by enthusiastic whoops. While the line was iconic in the movie, its delivery by Cameron felt awkward and lacked the charm of Leonardo DiCaprio's original performance.
4. Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová Best Original Song, 'Falling Slowly' from 'Once'
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Following a short yet sincere and touching speech by actor and musician Glen Hansard, he stepped aside to let his co-star Markéta Irglová share her thoughts. However, Irglová’s microphone was abruptly silenced as the music began to play, forcing her to exit the stage without speaking.
Fortunately, after the commercial break, host Jon Stewart invited Irglová back to the stage to deliver her speech. She used the opportunity to inspire young artists, encouraging them with the words, 'Make art!'
3. Angelina Jolie 2000 Best Supporting Actress, Girl Interrupted
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Recall the time Angelina Jolie attended the Oscars with her brother, James Haven, as her date? The red carpet moment where they nearly kissed? It only got more bizarre when Jolie, dressed in a Morticia Addams-inspired outfit, took the stage and proclaimed, '...I’m just so in love with my brother right now.'
Jolie’s public display of affection and her speech about 'brotherly love' left many stunned that evening, securing her a spot among the most unforgettable Oscar acceptance speeches for years to come.
2. Jack Palance 1992 Best Supporting Actor, City Slickers
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In case you weren’t aware, Jack Palance was an absolute legend. Winning his first Oscar at 73, Palance gave a witty and endearing speech, then stunned everyone by dropping to the floor and performing several push-ups, showcasing his strength that rivaled men decades younger. After his impromptu display, he returned to the podium, cracking a few risqué jokes to wrap up his unforgettable moment.
1. Roberto Benigni Best Actor, Life is Beautiful
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When Roberto Benigni’s name was announced, he didn’t simply walk to the stage like most winners. Instead, he stood on the backs of chairs and climbed over rows of celebrities, eventually bounding up the stairs like an overjoyed child. His speech was a lively mix of heavily accented English and Italian, filled with poetic references and heartfelt gratitude, including thanking his parents for 'the greatest gift: poverty.'
He concluded with one of the strangest lines in Oscar history, declaring, 'I am not able to express all my gratitude because now, my body is in tumult because it is a colossal moment of joy. … I would like to be Jupiter. And kidnap everybody and lie down in the firmament making love to everyone.'
+ David Niven
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While this isn’t technically an acceptance speech, it’s too iconic to leave out. In 1974, as the distinguished actor David Niven was presenting an award, a nude streaker dashed across the stage behind him. Unfazed, Niven maintained his composure and delivered his legendary remark, 'Probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing off his shortcomings.'
Picking just ten speeches was a challenging task. Other memorable moments include Vanessa Redgrave’s 1978 critique of 'Zionist hoodlums' and Tom Hanks’ 1994 tribute to his gay drama teacher, which he shared publicly during his acceptance speech.
