Oscars Upset and Award Speeches That Made History
In a surprising Oscar upset, Olivia Colman won the Best Actress award in 2019, beating the anticipated winner Glenn Close.
Sam Morgan
- 2024-01-10
- Updated 11:53 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - The 91st Academy Award ceremony held in 2019 saw a surprising turn when Olivia Colman received the Best Actress Oscar for her role in "The Favourite," defying the widespread expectation that Glenn Close would win for her performance in "The Wife." Close, who had already clinched the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama that year, was considered the frontrunner. Both occasions, along with other award ceremonies, are often noted for the memorable speeches given by the winners, ranging from humorous quips to poignant statements. A compilation now lists the 50 greatest awards show speeches from the past 55 years, showcasing the variety and impact of these moments.
Memorable Speeches Through the Years
The assembled list reflects the evolution of acceptance speeches over more than half a century, with recorded speeches dating back to 1969. The criteria for inclusion require that the speeches not only be archived online but also come from screen and stage awards, deliberately omitting those from music awards like the VMAs. The compilation aims to feature a diverse range of emotions and messages conveyed by the winners, including gratitude, calls for unity, and even political statements. Each actor is considered for one speech per award cycle, ensuring a wide representation of industries related achievements.
From humorous antics, such as Jack Palance's one-armed push-ups during his Oscar acceptance for "City Slickers," to powerful advocacies, like Michelle Williams' plea for equal pay during her Emmy speech for "Fosse/Verdon," the list highlights unforgettable moments. It includes speeches from a variety of actors and directors, among them Patti LuPone, Ben Affleck, Ving Rhames, Susan Lucci, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many others. Ving Rhames' attempt to give his Golden Globe to fellow nominee Jack Lemmon and Marlon Brando's boycott of the Oscars, sending Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to refuse the award for "The Godfather," are examples of the unexpected turns these speeches can take.
Redefining an Award-Winning Moment
The compilation serves as a testament to the personal and public significance of award acceptance speeches. It celebrates how these speeches provide a platform for winners not just to express their happiness and gratitude, but also to address broader issues, advocate for change, and entertain the public. With award shows continuing to be a critical part of the film and television industry's culture, the impact of a well-crafted speech can resonate long beyond the initial applause, etching moments into entertainment history.
