Top 10 Most Memorable Oscar Speeches of All Time

In 1978, Jane Folda gave an iconic speech during her 'Best Actress' acceptance for her role in Coming Home, a movie about a woman who fell in love with a paralyzed man in the Vietnam War. What made her speech memorable was not what she said but how she said it — in sign language.

"I'm signing part of what I'm saying tonight because, while we were making the movie, we all became more aware of the problems of the handicapped. Over 14 million people are deaf. They are the invisible handicapped and can't share this evening, so this is my way of acknowledging them."

Halle Berry set records and stole hearts during her emotional 'Best Actress' speech for Monster's Ball. It was her first Oscar nomination. Her win made her the first African-American woman to win in the category. During her speech, she shouted out the women of color who came before her and those currently in the industry.

"This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It's for the women that stand beside me, Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. And it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened. Thank you."

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In 2019, Bong Joon-Ho won four Oscars for his work on the horror thriller, Parasite. In his second acceptance speech of the night, for 'Best Director,' Joon-Ho used his time to shout out the other Best Director nominees: Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Todd Phillips and Sam Mendes. His mentions resulted in a standing ovation for Scorsese and rounds of applause for Tarantino, Phillips and Mendes. Ending his speech on a laugh, he said, "I will drink until next morning. Thank you."

"When I was in school, I studied Martin Scorsese's films. Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win. When people in the U.S. were not familiar with my film, Quentin always put my films on his list. He is here, thank you so much. Quentin, I love you. And Todd and Sam: great directors that I admire."

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At age 11, Anna Paquin became the second youngest Oscar winner of all time for her role in The Piano, which won her the award for 'Best Actress in a Supporting Role.' Despite breaking records and winning against big names such as Winona Ryder and Emma Thompson, Paquin's speech stood out for what she did rather than what she said. Upon making her way to the podium, Paquin took 20 seconds to hyperventilate and hold back tears before beginning her address.

"I'd like to thank the Academy for the honor of letting me be here today. I'd like to thank Jane, Jan and Holly for making this all possible. I'd like thank Eddie Campbell, Pat Quirke and Beanie for taking such good care of me during the making of the film."

Best known for his speech's opening quip, Christopher Plummer took home the award for 'Best Supporting Actor' for his role in Beginners in 2011. Much of his address poked fun at his age, noting, "When I first emerged from my mother's womb, I was already rehearsing my Academy 'thank you' speech. But it was so long ago, mercifully for you, I've forgotten it."

"[Looking to the Oscar:] You're only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?"

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After Heath Ledger passed away in January 2008, he won an Oscar for 'Best Actor in a Supporting Role' for his last project, The Dark Knight. On his behalf, his parents and sister, Kim Ledger, Sally Bell and Kate Ledger, accepted the award. Ledger is the second actor in the history of the Oscars to win posthumously. Amidst the heartwrenching speech, his sister dedicated the award to Ledger's daughter, Matilda.

"Heath, we both knew what you had created in the 'Joker' was extraordinarily special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you."

Did you know the famous quote, "You like me, you really like me," originates from Sally Field's Oscar speech for 'Best Actress' in Places in the Heart? However, she didn't actually say what's frequently attributed to her. Her exact words were slightly different.

"I haven't had an orthodox career, and I've wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time, I didn't feel it, but this time, I feel it. And I can't deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me! Thank you."

Opposite of Joe Pesci's 1990 speech, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s 'Best Supporting Actor' win for Jerry Maguire went too long. Producers started playing music to signal to him to wrap it up. However, instead of leaving the stage, he riddled off 'thank yous' for 50 more seconds, yelling them over the music. He even jumped with joy before making his exit.

"Oh, here we go... Okay, the studio, I love you. And Cameron Crowe and... Tom Cruise! I love you, brother! I love you, man! Derek Brose, Shawn Suttles, Keith Butler, all my behind-the-scenes crew. Regina King, I love you! You did a great job when we made the movie! Everybody involved with the movie! I love you! Oh my goodness! Here we are! I love you, but keep going."

Known for being one of the shortest Oscars speeches of all time, Joe Pesci's win for 'Best Actor in a Supporting Role' for Goodfellas lives on in history. Reportedly, Pesci didn't prepare a speech because he thought he wouldn't win, so he provided only six words at the podium. Later on that night, after introducing a segment, Pesci joked about his minimalist speech saying, "I still can't talk."

"It was my privilege. Thank you."

Going down in history as one of the funniest and most endearing Oscar speeches of all time is Olivia Colman for her 'Best Actress' win in The Favourite. It was her first Oscar nomination and win. During her speech, Colman made a fart noise and mentioned she'd "give a massive snog" to anyone she missed thanking, among other humorous moments.

"Thank you sooo much. And Olive, and Hildy and Bryna, who made me do things that I've said no to, but she was right. And my mum and my dad — well, you know. And my kids who are at home and watching, look! Well, if you're not then, well, kind of well done, but I sort of hope you are. This is not gonna happen again."