From Lupita Nyong’o to Ke Huy Quan, Here’s List of 7 Most Iconic Oscars Speeches of All Time

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Achieving an Oscar win is the cherished ambition of numerous artists, as they tirelessly work towards both captivating the audience with their acting and diligently pursuing the honor of receiving an Academy Award, or even just a nomination.

Although some people might continue to aspire for it, numerous individuals have already lived out this dream and stood on stage to collect their well-deserved trophy. This exhilarating sensation has frequently been expressed in the heartfelt speeches delivered following their Academy Award victories.

These heartfelt acceptance speeches have undeniably been a source of inspiration. If you’re in need of a motivational boost, take a look at our compilation of the 7 most legendary Oscar speeches.

1. Frances McDormand, Best Actress, 2018

Film: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Award: Best Actress 

On her way to receive the Oscar, the seasoned actress delivered a compelling speech once she took the stage. After expressing gratitude towards her husband Joel Cohen, their son Pedro, and her fellow cast members from Three Billboards, she also invited all the women nominees present that evening to join her.

She encouraged Meryl Streep, seated up front, to take action so that others would do the same. She invited the male attendees to confer with the women who had risen, listening to their professional aspirations. Additionally, she emphasized, “Tonight, I leave you with two simple words: EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY.

2. Hattie McDaniel, Best Supporting Actress, 1940

Film: Gone With the Wind

Awards: Best Supporting Actress

Hattie McDaniel made groundbreaking history as the first African American to receive an Oscar in 1940. Despite not being allowed to participate in the ceremony, her film producer, David O. Selznick, successfully requested that she be granted entry at the segregated Ambassador Hotel.

McDaniel was set apart at a different table from her fellow performers, but this isolation didn’t deter her from delivering an emotional speech after her victory. Later on, she expressed, “This moment has left me feeling incredibly humbled, and I will forever cherish it as a guiding light for any accomplishments in my future.” She continued, “I genuinely hope to continue being a source of pride for my community and the film industry.

3. Lupita Nyong’o, Best Supporting Actress, 2014

Film: 12 Years a Slave

Award: Best Supporting Actress

Lupita’s heartfelt acceptance speech during the Oscars left her and viewers alike teary-eyed. In her emotional speech, she expressed gratitude towards her fellow cast members of 12 Years a Slave, including her closest friend and sibling, whom she specifically acknowledged.

In a moving declaration, Lupita conveyed a potent message: “Let this serve as a reminder that your aspirations, regardless of where you originate, hold value.” Beyond her powerful words, Lupita’s ethereal Prada gown captivated many onlookers.

4. Ariana DeBose, Best Supporting Actress, 2022

Film: West Side Story

Award: Best Supporting Actress

Ariana DeBose made a strong commitment to motivate others through her victory, and she effectively achieved this goal.

The actress proudly identified as an openly queer woman of color and emphasized to the audience that there was undeniably a spot for them. Looking back on her past, she reminisced about being a child in the back seat of a white Ford, suggesting they examine her eyes.

Additionally, she emphasized, “You’re observing a bold, queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who discovered her power in life through artistic expression. That, in my opinion, is exactly why we’re gathered here.

5. Ke Huy Quan, Best Supporting Actor, 2023

Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once

Award: Best Supporting Actor

Instead of saying “Is there anything more iconic than Ke Huy Quan himself?”, you could rephrase it as: “Is there a more symbolic figure than Ke Huy Quan?”

The emotional Oscar speech he gave immediately after winning the Best Supporting Actor award for the blockbuster movie Everything Everywhere All at Once in 2023.

In most cases, when receiving an honor, many individuals express gratitude towards their deity or mother. However, what made Quan stand out was his unique statement: “My mom is 84 and she’s at home right now. Mom, I just got an Oscar for you.

The actor stated that his voyage began on a ship, and somehow found himself performing on “Hollywood’s grandest platform.” He also commented, “People claim such tales are reserved for films alone. I find it hard to fathom, but it seems this dream is becoming a reality for me – the epitome of the American Dream.

6. Halle Berry, Best Actress, 2002

Film: Monster’s Ball

Awards: Best Actress

In 2002, Halle Berry made history as the first African-American woman to receive the Best Actress award, and her inspiring speech at the Oscars has since been remembered as one of the most memorable in the ceremony’s history.

Berry powerfully expressed that the occasion felt significantly more significant to her. Furthermore, she emphasized, “This moment is for every unnamed, unknown woman of color who now has an opportunity, as the door has been unlocked tonight.

7. Brendan Fraser, Best Actor, 2023

Film: The Whale

Awards: Best Actor

This moment is incredibly heart-touching, not just for Brendan Fraser himself, but also for countless admirers who have eagerly awaited his return to the big screen after his impressive comeback in the film “The Whale.

When the actor’s eyes filled with tears, he expressed to those who worked on the mentioned film with him that they “revealed your profoundly generous hearts in such a way that it allowed others to glimpse deep within your spirits, as if no one else had ever been able to do so.

Additionally, he mentioned, “Things haven’t been a breeze for me… I merely wish to express my gratitude for this recognition.

Bonus: Viola Davis, Best Supporting Actress, 2017

Film: Fences

Award: Best Supporting Actress

Viola Davis consistently demonstrates her exceptional talent as one of the most remarkable actresses alive today, and her roles across different productions serve as evidence of this fact.

However, it isn’t only her acting skills that contribute to her iconic status, but also the powerful statements she delivers. Her Oscar speech is no exception, sharing the same impactful essence.

Following her victory at the Best Supporting Actress awards for Fences, she felt no hesitation in revealing her heartfelt and sensitive self as she pondered upon the profound influence that her parents exerted both on her personal and professional journey.

Davis expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overjoyed that you have been the bedrock of my existence.

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2025-05-27 12:53