I have a very simple but at the same time very strict policy with respect to writing about the Oscars, which involves not doing it for free. I am happy, however, that my pals at MSN Movies have commissioned to me to concoct not just one but several pieces on the movie awards this year, and the first, a consideration of some particularly memorable acceptance speeches, male division, just went up. More, including a gallery of women's acceptance speeches, is forthcoming. I hope all the pieces prove suitably diverting.
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My reaction to Olivier’s speech was similar to Voight’s, but it was because I was thinking, “What the heck is he jabbering about?” That was at the time, however; maybe if I watched it again I’d see the profundity.
If I’m not mistaken, William Holden gave the shortest speech for a competitive Oscar, saying just “Thank you,” because the broadcast was running long. Maybe not a ‘classy’ speech, but he was able to make up for it by taking out trade ads the next day listing everyone he intended to thank.
A nice list, Glenn. I’d like to just mention Altman’s speech when he received his Honorary Oscar in 2006. I found it quite touching coming from a man who presented himself as not caring much about such things.
Always liked Dustin Hoffman’s acceptance speech for winning for his performance in Kramer vs. Kramer – earnest, passionate and “classy’ in its own way.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhDmNRQgKLM
Small correction: Scorsese won his Oscar the year before the Coens won for “No Country for Old Men.”
Like Alfred Hitchcock’s “Thank You” for his honorary Oscar, I believe Joe Pesci is sometimes also credited with the shortest acceptance speech for saying the same (when he won as Best Supporting Actor for GOODFELLAS).
I don’t think anyone has just said “Thanks”.
Pesci actually said, “It’s my privilege. Thank you.”
And Hitchcock actually threw in something after “Thank you,” seemingly as an afterthought, but the music came up and obscured it. I watched this half a dozen times and couldn’t make it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2zjm79Esq4
The shortest speech ever is zero words: having previously given a speech when he won Best Director for A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, Fred Zinnemann, upon returning to the stage to accept Best Picture, merely smiled and nodded. Next closest is probably Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen for Best Song (“High Hopes”): One said “Thank” and the other said “You.”
Two personal favorites. Ben Johnson: “This couldn’t have happened to a nicer fella.” And of course, Mel Brooks: “I just want to say what’s in my heart: ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump…”