Top 10 acceptance speeches from Oscar 2020
The world’s biggest movie industry awards, the Oscars ended with a lot of smiles on the faces of many winners who went home with the trophy on Sunday, February 9.
The winners without a doubt took time to share their thoughts and excitement after receiving their awards. Oscar winners normally don’t get more than 45 seconds to say thanks and shout-outs, so it’s always impressive to see some of them use their limited time to give remarkable speeches.
So many people said so many great things about life, love, duty, sacrifice, friendship, family, the environment, politics (cue Donald Trump) and the list goes on. But these are the ones that caught our attention.
1. Joaquin Phoenix, Oscars 2020 winner for Actor in a Leading Role
Joaquin Phoenix roused many emotions in his acceptance speech after winning the Oscars for Actor in a Leading Role. The actor who clinched the award for his performance as Arthur Fleck in JOKER paid tribute to his brother, criticized inequality, and made a general observation on how so many people now have an egocentric worldview.
He talked about second chances while acknowledging his own shortcomings.
“Now, I have been a scoundrel in my life. I’ve been selfish. I’ve been cruel at times, hard to work with and ungrateful, but so many of you in this room have given me a second chance” he said.
“And I think that’s when we’re at our best when we support each other, not when we cancel each other out for past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other toward redemption. That is the best of community.”
2. Bong Joon Ho, Oscars 2020 winner for Best Director
Bong Joon Ho is quite a big deal at the moment after his film, Parasite broke many records in one night. The South Korean movie which won in four categories at the Oscars, is the first foreign-language film to ever win the best picture awards.
Filled with excitement, the decorated filmmaker said that he thought he was done for the day after winning the Best International Feature. Well, surprises!
“After winning Best International Feature, I thought I was done for the day and was ready to relax… Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win.
He also talked about fellow directors and nominees who inspired and helped him in the United States when he was starting out.
“Thank you so much, Quentin, I love you. And Todd and Sam, great directors that I admire. If the Academy allows, I would like to get a Texas Chainsaw, split the Oscar trophy into five, and share it with all of you. I will drink until next morning. Thank you.”
3. Matthew Cherry, Oscar winner for Best Animated Short
Former NFL player Matthew Cherry snagged the Oscar for Best Animated Short for his short film ‘Hair Love’.
“We wanted to normalize black hair,” said Cherry. “There’s a very important issue that’s out there, the Crown Act. And if we can help get this passed in all 50 states, it will help stories like DeAndre Arnold’s from happening.”
The short animated film tells the story of a young black man, DeAndre Arnold who was blocked from attending graduation unless he cut his dreadlocks.
4. Brad Pitt, Oscars 2020 winner for Best Supporting Actor
Brad Pitt delivered a powerful speech after winning the first Oscar of the night for his supporting role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He dedicated the award to his children, reminiscing how the title of the movie plays into his earlier dreams of becoming a big star in Hollywood.
“This is incredible,” he said. “I’m not one to look back but this has made me do so. I think of my folks taking me to the drive in to see Butch and Sundance and loading up my car and moving out, and Geena [Davis] and Ridley [Scott] giving me my first shot to all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, to stand here now.”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – ain’t that the truth,” he said.
5. Renée Zellweger, Oscars 2020 winner for Actress in a Leading Role
After winning the Oscars for Actress in a Leading Role, Renée Zellweger was awestruck by the life of the character she played, Judy Garland in JUDY.
“Judy Garland did not receive this honor in her time. I am certain that this moment is an extension of the celebration of her legacy that began on our film set. It’s also representative of the fact that her legacy of unique exceptionalism and inclusivity and generosity of spirit, it transcends any one artistic achievement. Miss Garland, you are certainly among the heroes who unite and define us, and this is certainly for you. I am so grateful. Thank you so much, everybody.”
6. Taika Waititi, Oscars 2020 winner for Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Taika Waititi expressed his fulfillment as the first indigenous New Zealander to win an Oscar. He acknowledged how his Oscar win proves that they are natural storytellers after his screenplay adaptation for the movie, JOJO RABBIT won the award. He went on to dedicate the award to all indigenous kids in the world.
“I dedicate this to all the indigenous kids in the world who want to do art and dance and write stories,” Waititi said. “We are the original storytellers and we can make it here as well.”
7. Kwak Sin Ae, Oscars 2020 winner for Best Picture
Kwak Sin Ae, the producer of Parasite couldn’t contain her excitement after the movie edged out ‘1917’ to win the award for Best Picture. Alongside, Bong Joon Ho, she pointed out how it was all a big surprise, just like the triumph of the underdogs.
“I’m speechless,” said producer Kwak Sin-ae through a translator. “We never imagined this to ever happen. We are so happy. I feel like a very opportune moment in history is happening right now.”
8. Elton John, Oscar 2020 winner for Best Original Song
World-renowned musician, Elton John was filled with gratitude for the gift of friendship alongside his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, after they were awarded the Oscar for Best Original Song for (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again, from Rocketman.
“Thank you to Bernie, who has been the constant thing in my life; when I was screwed up, when I was normal, he’s always been there for me,” he said. “This is a dream for us. We’ve never been nominated before for anything like this.”
The film focussed on their friendship
9. Roger Deakins, Oscar 2020 winner for Best Cinematography
Just like Elton, Roger Deakins spoke of friendship and inspiration as he received his Oscar for Best Cinematographer for his work in ‘1917’. He said he was humbled by the honour.
“I want to thank my fellow nominees for their wonderfully inspiring work,” he said. “But more than that, I want to thank them for their friendship.”
10. Laura Dern, Oscar 2020 winner for Best Supporting Actress
Laura Dern paid a touching tribute to her parents for being her heroes as she took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in ‘Marriage Story’. Her parents are actors, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern. She’s the first actor to win the Oscars in the family despite her mother, Diane Ladd being nominated thrice.
“Some say ‘never meet your heroes’, but I say if you’re really blessed, you get them as your parents.”
“I share this with my acting heroes, my legends, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern. You got game,” she added.
That’s it. Unlike its music counterpart, the Grammys where Nigeria’s Burna Boy and other Africans were on the row for the award, no Nollywood representative or African movie ever made it to the Oscars this year.
We hope to add their voices to the speeches that inspired us at the Oscars when the day comes.
