Oscars 2018: Best Acceptance And Most Memorable Speeches In Academy Awards History

A good speech is like a soothing balm, it not only takes our mind away from the problems of every day living (even if temporarily), but it also gives the listeners and viewers a moment to remember. There is something about a good speech, just like a smooth monologue, that connects to all. It is probably about the liveliness of delivery or the emotions attached that make an ordinary speech into a great one. Talking about emotions attached, the Annual Academy Awards, also called the Oscars, generates a feeling among the winners and nominees like no other occasion does. Let us visit some of the most memorable speeches in the history of Academy Awards. If only Oscars had a best speech category, the Oscar for memorable speeches would go to the following names:

1. Cuba Gooding Jr. 

Cuba Gooding Jr. won the Oscar for Supporting Actor for the film Jerry Maguire  at the 69th Annual Academy Awards. After Mira Sorvino presented the award, Cuba Gooding Jr. came to stage, accepted the award, thanked his wife and god and accepted that he had little time to complete his speech. As if taking cue, immediately the music started playing signalling him to end his speech. What Cuba Gooding Jr. did after that will bring a smile to your face.

2. Russell Crowe 

Hilary Swank presented the Oscar for Best Actor to Russell Crowe for his performance in "Gladiator" at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001. This heartfelt speech by Russell Crowe is considered by many to be one of the most inspiring and concise acceptance speeches ever.

3. Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody won the Best Actor Oscar for the Roman Polanski directed "The Pianist" at the 75th Annual Academy Awards. Now, though Adrien's speech got a standing ovation, it is also one of the most infamous occasions in academy history. Adrien, after his name was announced, went up the stage and forced himself on actress Halle Berry, taking her by surprise by kissing her immediately after getting the award presented by Halle. Imagine if this would have happened after the #MeToo movement.

4. Forest Whitaker 

Reese Witherspoon presented the Best Actor Oscar to Forest Whitaker for his performance in "The Last King of Scotland" at the 79th Annual Academy Awards in 2007. This was a really heartfelt and inspiring speech to say the least where Forest Whitaker not only mentioned why he loves acting but also said that it's possible for everybody who believes they can.

5. Matthew McConaughey 

Jennifer Lawrence presented Matthew McConaughey with the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in "Dallas Buyers Club" at the 86th Oscars in 2014. Matthew, in his typical talk and gesture style, thanked all the academy members. Then he went on to explain the three things on his count that he needs and it's an absolute pleasure to hear it. With his impeccable delivery and smooth baritone, Matthew McConaughey delivered one of the best all time acceptance speeches.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio

Julianne Moore presented Leonardo DiCaprio with the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in "The Revenant" at the 88th Oscars in 2016. The actor finally won an Oscar, after having being nominated for 6 times for his performances over the years. Not many can use the Academy Awards ceremony to spread a word about climate change and global warming, but considering Leonardo DiCaprio's passion for the cause, it was no surprise that he talked about the climate and dangers that global warming poses to planet earth. One of the best speeches ever, just like his performance in "The Revenant".

7. Sandra Bullock

Sean Penn presented Sandra Bullock with the Best Actress Oscar for The Blind Side, featuring Michael Sheen, Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Stanley Tucci and Peter Saarsgard, at the 82nd Academy Awards. The speech by Sandra Bullock was just the icing on the cake as the stellar list of presenters themselves delivered smooth and rich lines for the nominees.

8. Viola Davis 

Mark Rylance presented Viola Davis with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Fences" at the 89th Oscars in 2017. And she went on to give one of the best acceptance speeches. Powerful and moving are two words that describe her speech.

9. Kate Blanchett

Daniel Day-Lewis presented Cate Blanchett with the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in " Blue Jasmine" at the 86th Oscars in 2014. "Sit down, you all are too old to be standing," said she as soon as other members started clapping. It was a generous speech, as she went on to praise all of her fellow nominees.

10. Halle Berry

Halle Berry won the Oscar for Best Actress for Monster's Ball at the 74th Academy Awards. Russell Crowe presented her the award. She was all tears when he went up the stage but every word she uttered was full of emotions and one could tell that it came straight from the heart. Heartfelt and touching, is how one would describe the brilliant speech.

There are many other speeches that should make this list. For example, the classy speech by Sir Lawrence Olivier when presented with an honorary Oscar, the sheer beauty of the moment when Charlie Chaplin was awarded an honorary award Hopefully, or Octavia Spencer's 2012 speech. But the list above is definitely enough to make your day. Enjoy the speeches.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2018 11:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).