Do you like the Oscars? If so: your favorite acceptance speech?

[bertha katzenengel]

Let's get completely shallow for a day.

I have three. One, I just posted in the "best casting" thread.

The others:

Shirley MacLaine (best actress, "Terms of Endearment"):

". . . and this show has been longer than my career. . . ."

Given by Maureen Stapleton (best supporting actress, "Reds" - portraying Emma Goldman, one of my favorite historical figures):

"I'd like to thank everyone I've ever met in my entire life . . . "

(Kim Basinger said that too - best supporting actress, "L.A. Confidential")

What are yours?

[terrya]

1. I have to say that one of my favorites was Joe Pesci...

winning Best Supporting Actor for "Goodfellas"

It was simply "Thank you".

That's it. No long speech thanking his agent, his business manager, his lawyers, God. It was refreshingly short. :-)

[calico1]

2. That is my favorite kind of acceptance speech too.

Paul McCartney also said just a simple "Thank you, goodnight" one year at the Grammys.

[bertha katzenengel]

4. I like when the older recipients thank a few people

It gives me perspective on how many others it takes to help us through life. Their thankees are often different than the yonger folks'.

[bertha katzenengel]

5. Hey, Terry

Long time. :pals:

[terrya]

6. Hey Bertha!

Long time indeed.

:pals:

:hi:

[bertha katzenengel]

3. Here's my other favorite

Callie Khoury (best original screenplay, "Thelma and Louise"):

". . . and for everyone who wanted a happy ending to 'Thelma and Louise,' this is it."

[calico1]

7. If they make it short and sweet then that is fine

with me and some of them are witty such as the one you mentioned. Its people like Julia Roberts who go on and on and on. The Oscar show is seen by millions. Its not a personal party. Some of the winners realize this and don't go on and on about every person they have known in their lives. They know most people don't care. I do think some of them just like to hear themselves talk.

[derby378]

8. Michael Moore, 2003, for BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE

One of my all-time favorites. Delivered just as we began the invasion of Iraq. Now that is speaking truth to power.

[long_green]

9. any Brit

they know how to act graciously and get off the stage and look good doing it. When Morgan Freeman FINALLY won his Oscar, his speech was brief and dignified in the Brit tradition(from a Yank). The all time exception to the Brit rule was Vanessa Redgrave's speech in the 70's. Paddy Chayefsky's response to her (on the same telecast) is a classic.

[FredScuttle]

14. Define irony

Paddy Chayefsky slamming Vanessa Redgrave for hijacking an awards show and delivering a self-indulgent political rant....by hijacking the awards show and delivering a self-indulgent political rant.

[LynneSin]

10. Joe Pesci: "This is an honor and privilege, thank you."

That's all he said and then he left.


Runnerup is Kevin Spacey for his win with "American Beauty" when he said "This has definitely been the highlight of my day." (which is a take on the opening line of the movie when he was jerking off in the shower)

[GalleryGod]

11. Sidney Poitier, "Lillies of the Field", 1963

" You humble me tonight..."

In white and tails, no less. Back when Oscar was treated well.

[ronnykmarshall]

12. Not a speech ...

but when Adrian Brody won and swooped Hallie Berry in his arms and gave a big ol' kiss!

Hallie looked pretty happy afterwards.

[noonwitch]

13. Vanessa Redgrave for "Julia" and Warren Beatty for "Reds"

Vanessa pissed off a whole bunch of people in Hollywood by expressing support for the PLO. I don't agree with her, but man, it took some balls for her to give that speech.

Warren Beatty's acceptance speech is memorable because it was so long and political.