We are fast approaching Oscar season, with the 2015 Academy Award Ceremony due to take place on 22nd February 2015, with Neil Patrick Harris hosting. With the Oscar buzz soon to hit the film industry, let’s take this opportunity to have a look back at some great Oscar winning speeches from the past ceremonies.
Robin Williams, Best Supporting Actor, Good Will Hunting (1997)
Since the tragic death of Robin Williams in 2014, his fans are able to look back on his great catalogue of work. One of his greatest roles is in Good Will Hunting. After being nominated three times and finally winning, he manages to give both a heartfelt and a funny speech.
Marlon Brando, Best Actor, The Godfather (1972)
Although Marlon Brando had won the Best Actor Oscar in 1954 for his role in On The Waterfront, he boycotted the 1973 ceremony, with Sacheen Littlefeather attending on his behalf and refusing the Oscar. The reason behind his refusal to attend and accept the award was due to the representation of Native Americans on TV and in film at the time. You can hear the incredible and brave speech from Sacheen Littlefeather, even in the face of dislike from some of the audience.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Best Actress, Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Although our actors and actresses like to try and keep their composure, and often comment on how overwhelmed they are at winning, it is not often we get to see someone become completely overwhelmed with emotion. Gwyneth Paltrow is an exception, as we can see when she won her Oscar for Shakespeare in Love. She begins crying as soon as her name is read out, and doesn’t really stop.
Tom Hanks, Best Actor, Philadelphia (1993)
After winning the Best Actor Oscar consecutively in 1993 and 1994, Tom Hanks first Oscar for Philadelphia (the second would soon follow for Forrest Gump) is both gracious and very moving (and slightly cheesy). Whilst up against tough competition from Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Tom Hanks receives a standing ovation as he collects his Oscar, and sweetly mentions his wife as his ‘lover’ and his children as his ‘babies’.
Julie Andrews, Best Actress, Mary Poppins (1964)
The very gracious Julie Andrews gives a short but sweet speech on winning the Best Actress Oscar for Mary Poppins, not leaving behind any of her English charm as she does so.
Roberto Benigni, Best Foreign Language Film, Life is Beautiful (1997)
No one has quite collected an Oscar like Roberto Benigni did when winning Best Foreign Language Film for Life is Beautiful, which he stared in and directed. With members of the audience shouting ‘Roberto’ before the winner is announced, and the beautiful Sophia Loren presenting the Oscar, we can see Roberto Benigni jumping on the chairs, hopping towards the stage and generally going crazy at his win. He would repeat the performance very soon after when winning the Best Actor Oscar for the same film.