best celebrity tribute speeches

Influencer Marketing | 7 min read

8 Memorable Celebrity Commencement Speeches

Written By Dale David

Published on may 08, 2023.

Caption: Photo courtesy of Glamour

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re pretty sure that’s how the tradition of graduation speeches came to be. 

Some of the world’s best speakers are actually—you guessed it— your favourite celebrities .

Check out eight of the most memorable celebrity commencement speeches below!

• Taylor Swift
• Stephen Curry  
• Arianna Huffington
• Tim McGraw 
• Barack Obama
• LeBron James
• John Legend  

1. Taylor Swift

At New York University’s Class of 2022 commencement exercises held at the Yankee Stadium, Taylor Swift was honoured with an honorary doctorate in fine arts . She also took the stage to deliver one of the best commencement speeches of all time. 

The world knows all too well just how witty Doctor Taylor Swift can be. Whether it’s a hit song that tops the Billboard charts or a celebrity graduation speech, her words are never less than thought-provoking—and the cheers from the packed stadiums are always at full volume.

Memorable Moments:

• “…Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once. Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release. What I mean by that is, knowing what things to keep and what things to release. You can’t carry all things, all grudges, all updates on your ex, all enviable promotions your school bully got at the hedge fund his uncle started. Decide what is yours to hold and let the rest go. Oftentimes the good things in your life are lighter anyway, so there’s more room for them. One toxic relationship can outweigh so many wonderful, simple joys. You get to pick what your life has time and room for. Be discerning.”
• “My experience has been that my mistakes led to the best things in my life. And being embarrassed when you mess up is part of the human experience. Getting back up, dusting yourself off and seeing who still wants to hang out with you afterward and laugh about it? That’s a gift. The times I was told no or wasn’t included, wasn’t chosen, didn’t win, didn’t make the cut…looking back, it really feels like those moments were as important, if not more crucial, than the moments I was told ‘yes.”
• “As long as we are fortunate enough to be breathing, we will breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out. And I’m a doctor now, so I know how breathing works. I hope you know how proud I am to share this day with you. We’re doing this together. So let’s just keep dancing like we’re… … the class of ’22.”

BTS isn’t just the biggest band on the planet, they’re also influential youth ambassadors (and presidential favourites!). The South Korean President appointed the band as diplomats and “ special presidential envoys for future generations and culture .” Even world leaders a few oceans away from their home country also recognize just how much of an impact they have— President Biden invited them to speak at the White House’s anti-Asian hate summit . 

Throughout their career, they have always managed to move the youth with their inspiring messages—and their appearance at YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020 event was no exception! It’s a celebrity graduation speech that will live in your head rent-free. 

• BTS’ Jin: “My memory of graduation is a little different. It was before my debut as BTS. I was around 20, just a high school graduate going into university. Back then, the notion of becoming an adult was something quite scary. Anxious about making my way into an unfamiliar world, I was cautious about everything I said or did. Sometimes, I’d feel restless, watching my friends go on far ahead of me, and attempting to keep up with their speed would only leave me breathless. I soon realized that their pace was not my own. What held me together during these times was a promise I made with myself to ‘take it slow.’ I’d go at my own pace, steadily. From then on, it became a habit of mine to take extra time for myself. For instance, when learning choreography, I begin practice days earlier than the others. If any of you feels lost in the face of uncertainty, or the pressure of starting anew, don’t rush. Take a deep breath. You may find that any moment can be turned into opportunity. Allow yourself to take it easy. Take it one step at a time. You might discover the important things you were missing, and they will reach out to you.”
• BTS’ Suga: “This might not be the grand finale that you had imagined, and a fresh start might seem far away. But I wish to tell you: Please don’t be afraid, don’t worry yourself. The end and beginning, beginning and end are connected. There are some things you can only do in isolation, such as focusing only on myself and breaking my own barriers. One small person can dream the biggest dream, paint the largest picture, and make endless possibilities come true. When we meet again, I look forward to seeing your dream, your picture, and your endless possibilities out in this world. Take your hands off what you can’t control, and get your hands on what you can change. As you and I continue on in life, we will find ourselves in so many situations out of our grasp. The only thing we can control is ourselves. Get your hands on the changes you can make, because your possibilities are limitless. After all, I also had no idea I would become BTS either.”

3. Stephen Curry

As a Golden State Warrior and NBA All-Star Game MVP of 2022 , Stephen Curry is no stranger to the champion life—and he championed the class of 2020 during the height of the pandemic with his celebrity commencement speech at Chase’s #ShowMeYourWalk event!

• “I’m grateful for this opportunity to congratulate you, the undefeated class of 2020…You are my kind of people; you know that. You’re record-setting, history-making, and you show up to win, even in the greatest of adversity. You follow through on the promises to yourself. You adapt. You create. You inspire, and you continue to dream big and hope.”
• “We are here today to celebrate because we believe the work that you’ve done should be celebrated, no matter what’s going on right now.”
• This commencement honors the early mornings that turned into late nights, the grind every single day to better yourself, and every single moment of sacrifice that you’ve gone through.”

4. Arianna Huffington

As an award-winning author and the co-founder of The Huffington Post , you can count on it that Arianna Huffington has a magical way with words. Her celebrity graduation speech at Smith College ’s 2013 commencement ceremony can only be defined with one word: #Preach.

• “Commencement speakers are traditionally expected to tell graduates how to go out there and climb the ladder of success, but I want to ask you, instead, to redefine success. Because the world you are headed into desperately needs it. And because you are up to it. Your education at Smith has made it unequivocally clear that you are entitled to take your place in the world on equal footing, in every field, and at the top of every field. But what I urge you to do is not just take your place at the top of the world, but to change the world.” 

5. Will Ferrell

He’s one of the most famous comedians of all time and a total pro at giving celebrity commencement speeches . Will Ferrell’s commencement address in 2017 was an absolute smash hit, connecting with the graduating class of his own alma mater, the University of Southern California.

• “To those of you graduates sitting out there who have a pretty good idea of what you’d like to do with your life, congratulations. For many of you who maybe don’t have it all figured out, it’s okay. That’s the same chair that I sat in. Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the result.”
• “Trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics – and you will figure it out.”

6. Barack Obama

When have the graduation speeches of the 44th President of the United States ever not resonated with his audiences? During the “ Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 ” television broadcast, Barack Obama challenged everyone to “set the world on a different path.” 

• “This pandemic has shaken up the status quo, laid bare a lot of our country’s, deep-seated problems, from massive economic inequality, to ongoing racial disparities, to a lack of basic healthcare for people who need it. It’s woken a lot of young people up to the fact that the old ways of doing things just don’t work. That it doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick, and that our society are not democracy only work when we think not just about ourselves but about each other. It’s also pulled the curtain back on another hard truth, something that we all have to eventually accept once our childhood comes to an end. You know all those adults that used to think [they were] in charge or knew what they were doing? Turns out they don’t have all the answers. A lot of them aren’t even asking the right questions. So if the world’s going to get better, it’s going to be up to you.”

7. LeBron James

The star-studded “ Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 ” event was a treasure trove for memorable celebrity commencement speeches—and 18-time NBA All-Star, LeBron James was the host of this TV special. 

• “And now it is time to go to a new place. It is time to chase every dream, accept every challenge, strive for greatness, honor every promise, and recommit to your community. I know that’s the last thing you want to think about right now in a place you’ve been sitting in for the last two months, really, I mean, the last 18 years for you guys, but it’s the truth. The community needs you. And when I say to the community, I mean your rec league, your church, your youth group, and most of all, your school. They need you. Most importantly, building your community is how you change the world.”

8. John Legend

At Duke University’s 2021 commencement ceremony, award-winning musician John Legend gave one of the most legendary celebrity graduation speeches that encouraged everyone to embrace our shared humanity. 

• “When you feel lost in this tangled web of problems, know that in truth, the way out of it is simple. Instinctual, really. It’s LOVE. Love should be your North Star. Let it guide you. Maybe this sounds more like song lyrics than a serious point. But I believe it with every fiber of my being. Think about what it actually means to let yourself feel and show love for your neighbors. It means being curious about their lives. Genuinely wanting the best for them. Investing in their success. And once we recognize our interdependence—our mutuality—it’s clear that love is precisely what our society needs: To take care of and look out for each other. There are nearly 8 billion people on the planet: 8 billion strangers. What does it mean to love people we don’t know? It means letting go of fear and embracing our shared humanity.”

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Perfect Your PPC Marketing Strategy Paid Search Checklist

1. define your goals.

Are you aiming to increase web traffic or grow your social media presence? Figure out why you’re leveraging paid media in the first place and build your strategy from there. Having clearly defined goals in mind will help you focus on your brand’s key priorities.

2. Outline a TOFU/MOFU/BOFU Strategy

Designing strategies that cater to all three stages of the buyer journey ensures that you’re maximizing your brand’s reach. Every user at every stage is valuable—and you have to make sure you’re creating paid media content that speaks to each audience type.

3. Research Keywords for Search

Effective paid media is tied to targeting the right keywords. If you’re leveraging paid search ads to appear on SERPs (search engine results pages), then in-depth research is necessary. Bid on the keywords that are most relevant to your business to trigger only the most effective ad appearances.

4. Craft Engaging Ad Copy & Stand-Out Creative

Gather your team—because it’s time to start coming up with ad copy that wins attention. The key is to resonate with your audience and inspire engagement. Be real. Be relatable. And most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of creativity.

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• Movies About Death

15 Famous Eulogies from Literature, Movies & History

Updated 04/24/2024

Published 04/10/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Eulogies are speeches usually given at the deceased’s memorial service . Sometimes they’re given by a friend or family member, but other times an officiant writes the speech. 

We’ve compiled some of the most powerful eulogies written for books and movies just in case you’re looking for inspiration as you write your loved one’s eulogy. We’ll also share some of the most famous tributes in history. 

Here are some eulogies to consider. Caution: There are spoilers in this article! Proceed with caution.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Famous eulogies from literature, famous eulogies from movies, famous eulogies from history.

It’s easy to come up with a list of notable books where one of the main characters dies in the end, but it is harder to find examples that include the text of the eulogy for that main character. Here are some eulogy examples that we found in some of the most famous pieces of English literature. 

1. Mark Antony’s speech in Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare’s plays are chock-full of death, and readers can find plenty of examples when characters pause and reflect over the death of a friend. What about Mark Antony’s famous “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech that appears in Julius Caesar ?

If it’s been a while since you were in sophomore English, you may not remember that Antony’s speech was used to turn the crowd against the conspirators who had stabbed Caesar. It’s worth reading again if you don’t still have it memorized from when you were 16 years old. 

2. Casy’s words for Grandpa in The Grapes of Wrath

The Joad family travels from Oklahoma to California during the Dust Bowl in John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath . During the trip, Grandpa dies, and Reverend Casy is asked to speak a few words over his buried body.

His speech begins, “This here ol’ man jus’ lived a life an’ just died out of it. I don’t know whether he was good or bad, but that don’t matter much. He was alive, an’ that’s what matters.”

3. Narrator’s words for Charlotte the Spider in Charlotte’s Web

Was Charlotte the first fictional death you ever experienced? While Wilbur, the pig, and the rest of the animals didn’t have a formal funeral for Charlotte, the narrator offers tribute to the friendly arachnid with these final words: “It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.”

4. Gus’ Eulogy Letter for Hazel from The Fault in Our Stars

We don’t want to confuse you with the name of this particular eulogy.

If you have read John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars , you may not remember that before he dies, Gus actually emails a eulogy for Hazel to her father. It’s a lovely eulogy full of flowery language. 

5. A “Tufty-Haired” Man’s Eulogy for Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The reader doesn’t know who the “tufty-haired” man is who presents Albus Dumbledore’s eulogy in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . We also don’t hear the full text. What the reader does get is a few random phrases, along with Harry’s reaction to the speech.

 “‘Nobility of spirit’…’ intellectual contribution’…’ greatness of heart’... It did not mean very much. It had little to do with Dumbledore as Harry had known him. He suddenly remembered Dumbledore’s idea of a few words, ‘nitwit,’ ‘oddment,’ ‘blubber,’ and ‘tweak,’ and again had to suppress a grin.”

While a lot of the examples on the previous list can also be found in movies, we also have these examples for you to consider. 

6. Matthew’s eulogy for Gareth in Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch this poignant scene from the 1994 movie, Four Weddings and a Funeral if you haven’t already. For one thing,

it is beautifully acted by John Hannah, but it also includes one of our favorite funeral poems, written by W.H. Auden, called “Funeral Blues.”

7. Captain Kirk’s eulogy for Spock in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Captain Kirk can hardly get the words out when he says, “Of all the souls I encountered in my travels, his was the most human.”

Then bagpipes play, and Spock’s body is shot out into space. This is perhaps one of the most heartfelt moments within the entire series.

8. Daniel’s eulogy to his wife in Love, Actually

Liam Neeson’s character in Love, Actually explains that his wife chose her own way to say goodbye before he plays “Bye, Bye Baby” by the Bay City Rollers.

At first, the congregation seems shocked by the upbeat melody, but then they all begin to smile. 

9. Walter and the Dude eulogize Danny in The Big Lebowski

Walter tries to return Danny’s ashes to the “bosom of the Pacific Ocean,” after giving a eulogy in The Big Lebowski .

Instead, a breeze causes the ashes to fly back to cover the Dude’s hair, face, and sunglasses.

10. Daniel’s eulogy for his father in Death at a Funeral

The main character’s awkward eulogy is interrupted in the 2007 version of Death at a Funeral , when a thought-to-be-dead little person breaks out of the casket of the father. This extremely dark comedy stars Peter Dinklage. 

Many famous eulogies can be found throughout history. Here are a few we would like to highlight. 

11. Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks

If Oprah is involved, you know it has to be amazing. She was asked to give the eulogy for Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks in 2005.

She told the audience about hearing the story of Rosa Parks when she was a young girl living in the south. Oprah credited Parks as being the reason for her own success. 

12. Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs

Mona Simpson is the late Steve Jobs’ sister. She gave the eulogy for the tech giant in 2011. The last words of her eulogy were to recount Job’s own final words: “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow.”

13. Frank Oz’s eulogy for Jim Henson

It’s always amazing when a person giving a tribute says something funny enough to get people to laugh. Read the full text of Frank Oz’s speech, where Oz describes a gift that Henson made for him, which included a tiny photograph of a naked Oz. Eulogies are the best if they were written by someone who knew the deceased well.

14. Earl Spencer’s eulogy for Princess Diana

Princess Diana’s brother spoke at her service after her shocking death in 1997. His first lines set the tone of the speech: “I stand before you today, the representative of a family in grief in a country in mourning before a world in shock.”

The world was shocked when the Princess died in a car accident after being chased by the paparazzi. The royal family was in shock after Diana’s brother used some rather sharp words to describe Diana’s treatment by them.

15. John Cleese’s eulogy of Graham Chapman

John Cleese’s speech for Graham Chapman pushed boundaries — and that’s an understatement. The two worked together on Monty Python. You must have an idea of what type of eulogy Cleese presented if you’re familiar with this British comedy team. 

What Eulogies Should Be On the List?

It’s tricky narrowing down a list of eulogies in literature, movies, and history to only 15. After all, eulogies have probably been part of the world’s culture since the beginning of language. Which tributes are your favorite? 

Not all of these eulogies were written for real-life people, but they all have one thing in common. The writers all spent a great deal of time crafting their words to perfection. If you are tasked with writing the tribute speech for a loved one or a eulogy for mom , make sure you set aside enough time for the task. Chances are, it’ll take longer than you thought.

Categories:

• Quotes About Death

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How to Write a Moving Living Eulogy + Examples

15 Inspiring Celebrity Commencement Speeches

With graduation season well underway, it’s important that recent grads start their journey into the real world with strong words of encouragement and advice. Here are 15 famous people who gave inspiring and rousing commencement speeches.

1. OPRAH WINFREY // STANFORD UNIVERSITY

In 2008, Oprah Winfrey gave a 28-minute commencement speech at Stanford University. She spoke about her early career as a local news anchor in Nashville and her personal and professional journey of failure, success, and finding happiness in life.

"The secret I've learned to getting ahead is being open to the lessons," Winfrey said. "It's being able to walk through life eager and open to self-improvement and that which is going to best help you evolve, because that's really why we're here—to evolve as human beings. I believe that there is a lesson in almost everything that you do and every experience. Getting the lesson is how you move forward, is how you enrich your spirit. And trust me; I know that inner wisdom is more precious than wealth. The more you spend it, the more you gain."

2. STEVE JOBS // STANFORD UNIVERSITY

In 2005, Steve Jobs was the commencement speaker at Stanford University. He spoke about his work, but emphasized his failures in life, including getting fired at Apple and starting NeXT Computer. Jobs believed that failing at life made you better at working and living it.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work,” Jobs said. “And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

3. JON STEWART // COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY

Twenty years after talk show host/comedian Jon Stewart graduated from the College of William and Mary, he returned as the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2004. He spoke about his time at the Virginia college and offered up advice about the future.

“Love what you do. Get good at it. Competence is a rare commodity in this day and age. And let the chips fall where they may,” Stewart told the crowd. “College is something you complete. Life is something you experience. So don’t worry about your grade, or the results or success.”

4. STEPHEN COLBERT // WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

Stephen Colbert gave the commencement speech to the Class of 2015 at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. It was about six months after he finished his nine-year run as host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report and the talk show host/comedian compared his transition to The Late Show on CBS to graduating from college and entering the real world.

“It’s time to say goodbye to the person we’ve become, who we’ve worked so hard to perfect, and to make some crucial decisions in becoming who we’re going to be,” Colbert told the graduating class. “For me, I’ll have to figure out how to do an hour-long show every night. And you at some point will have to sleep. I am told the Adderall wears off eventually.”

Colbert also began and ended his speech with references to Mad Max: Fury Road , by telling the graduates, “May you ride eternal, shiny, and chrome.”

5. KATIE COURIC // UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN—MADISON

Katie Couric delivered the commencement speech at the University of Wisconsin—Madison in 2015, where she urged the students to “work hard, and then work even harder ... There may be days when you’ll say to yourself, ‘I can’t. I literally can’t even.’ But you can! You can even!”

6. JOHN GREEN // KENYON COLLEGE

In 2000, author and YouTube star (and mental_floss contributor) John Green graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. He recently returned to his alma mater to give the commencement speech for the graduating Class of 2016. During his speech, Green admitted that being an adult is terrible.

“All of it, actually—from the electricity bills to the job where your co-workers call themselves teammates even though this isn’t football for God’s sake—all these so-called horrors of adulthood emerge from living in a world where you are inextricably connected to other people to whom you must learn to listen,” Green said. “And that turns out to be great news. And if you can remember that conversations about grass length and the weather are really conversations about how we are going to get through, and how we are going to get through together, they become not just bearable but almost kind of transcendent.”

7. MAYA RUDOLPH // TULANE UNIVERSITY

In 2015, Maya Rudolph gave the commencement speech at Tulane University in New Orleans. The Saturday Night Live alum did her famous impressions of Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé, while giving the Class of 2015 some words of wisdom about creating your own life and destiny.

"During senior year, my father asked me what I planned to do after I graduated, and I told him 'I want to be on Saturday Night Live ,'" she shared. "But until that moment, I never wanted to admit that being on SNL was my dream. I never wanted to admit that I was a thespian ... So if I must give any of you advice it would be say yes. Say yes, and create your own destiny."

8. JIM CARREY // MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT

In 2014, Jim Carrey surprised the graduating class at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa with a touching and emotional commencement speech about his father. He implored graduates to choose their own paths in life and to not settle out of practicality. Carrey also received an honorary doctorate for his achievements in comedy, art, acting, and philanthropy.

“The decisions we make in this moment are based in either love or fear,” Carrey told the students. “So many of us chose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect so we never ask the universe for it. I’m saying I’m the proof that you can ask the universe for it. And if it doesn’t happen for you right away, it’s only because the universe is so busy fulfilling my order.”

9. MINDY KALING // HARVARD LAW SCHOOL

Comedy writer/actress Mindy Kaling gave the commencement speech to the Class of 2014 at Harvard Law School, where she joked about her “glamorous” lifestyle, and questioned why Harvard would even ask her to be the commencement speaker in the first place. Kaling also joked that celebrities are the worst people in the world to give advice to recent graduates.

“What advice could I give you guys?” said the star of The Mindy Project . “Celebrities give too much advice and people listen to it too much. Most of us have no education whatsoever. Who should be giving advice and the answer is people like you. You are better educated and you are going to go out into the world and people are going to listen to what you say, whether you are good or evil, and that probably scares you because some of you look really young.”

10. STEVE CARELL // PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

In 2012, Steve Carell spoke to Princeton University graduates during Class Day. His niece was in the audience as one of the Ivy League school’s graduates. He spoke about his attempt to enter law school, but ultimately not becoming a lawyer once he read the question “Why do you want to be an attorney?" on the law school application. Carell then ended his speech with a few tidbits about what to expect from the real world.

“I would like to leave you with a few random thoughts. Not advice per se, but some helpful hints,” Carell told the graduating class. “Show up on time. Because to be late is to show disrespect. Remember that the words 'regime' and 'regimen' are not interchangeable. Get a dog, because cats are lame. Only use a 'That's what she said' joke if you absolutely cannot resist. Never try to explain a 'That's what she said' joke to your parents. When out to eat, tip on the entire check. Do not subtract the tax first. And every once in a while, put something positive into the world. We have become so cynical these days. And by we I mean us. So do something kind, make someone laugh, and don't take yourself too seriously.”

11. J.K. ROWLING // HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling gave the commencement speech at Harvard University in 2008. During her speech, Rowling talked about the value of imagination, failing in life to succeed, and friendship throughout school into the real world.

“The friends with whom I sat on graduation day have been my friends for life,” Rowling shared. “They are my children’s godparents, the people to whom I’ve been able to turn in times of trouble, people who have been kind enough not to sue me when I took their names for Death Eaters. At our graduation we were bound by enormous affection, by our shared experience of a time that could never come again.”

12. TOM HANKS // YALE UNIVERSITY

In 2011, Tom Hanks was the commencement speaker at Yale University. He told the graduates how they can make a deep impression on the world based on how they handle fear and if they inspire faith.

"Fear has become the commodity that sells as certainly as sex," Hanks said. "Fear is cheap, fear is easy, fear gets attention ... It's fast, it's gossip and it's just as glamorous, juicy and profitable. Fear twists facts into fictions that become indistinguishable from ignorance."

13. ELLEN DEGENERES // TULANE UNIVERSITY

Talk show host/comedian Ellen DeGeneres was the commencement speaker for Tulane University’s Class of 2009. At the ceremony, she was also awarded the Tulane University President's Medal. DeGeneres spoke about the importance of following your passions in life.

“Success is to live your life with integrity and to not give in to peer pressure to try to be something that you're not,” DeGeneres told the class. “Success is to be honest and to contribute in some way ... Follow your passion, stay true to yourself, never follow someone else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path then by all means you should follow that.”

14. CONAN O’BRIEN // DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

Late night talk show host Conan O’Brien addressed the Class of 2011 at Dartmouth College, along with “faculty, parents, relatives, undergraduates, and old people that just come to these things.” He spoke about his success and failures at NBC, while highlighting why it’s important to be disappointed in life: “Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”

O’Brien ended his speech by saying, “At the end of my final program with NBC, just before signing off, I said ‘Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.’ Today … I have never believed that more.”

15. KERRY WASHINGTON // GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

In 2013, Scandal star Kerry Washington gave the commencement speech at George Washington University, from which she herself graduated in 1998. She received an honorary degree from her alma mater and gave some words of advice to the recent graduates, “You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell.”

Commencement Speeches That Never Fail to Inspire

By Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone

Whether or not certain musicians, actors, politicians and entrepreneurs have completed college, they’re often asked to deliver commencement speeches at small liberal-arts schools, state colleges and prestigious Ivy league institutions alike. If they accept, their task is simple: Convey a message of  humor, pathos, wisdom and humility, and above all, use this opportunity to collect an honorary diploma in case they need something to fall back on.

As the nation’s collective Class of 2014 collects their diplomas, we’ve selected a handful of celebrity orations from the previous 20 graduation years that  have made us giggle, tear up or want to go get ’em. − By Kenny Herzog

Bono, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2004

Tone: Self-deprecating, incendiary. Theme: Don't take yourself too seriously, but never underestimate your potential to change the world. Key Quote: "I'm not a hippy. I do not have flowers in my hair. I come from punk rock. The Clash wore army boots, not Birkenstocks. I believe America can do this. I believe that this generation can do this. In fact, I want to hear an argument about why we shouldn't."

Stephen Colbert, Northwestern University, Class of 2011

Tone: Expectedly sarcastic, sneakily reflective and hopeful. Theme: Don't get so caught up in ambition that you forget to be decent and unselfish. Key Quote: "No more winning. Instead, try to love others and serve others and hopefully find those who love and serve you in return."

Bill Cosby, Temple University, Class of 2013

Tone: Good-natured, imploring. Theme: A degree is not the means to an end, and you’ll be up against stiff competition, so get serious and make something of yourself. Key Quote: “Get out, get a job. For God’s sake, get a job.”

Ellen DeGeneres, Tulane University, Class of 2009

Tone: Daffy, matter-of-fact. Theme: There is no better voice to listen to than the one inside yourself. Key Quote: "When I was your age, I was dating men. So what I'm saying is, when you're older, most of you will be gay."

Will Ferrell, Harvard University, Class of 2003

Tone: Loony, subversive. Theme: Don't forget to laugh, especially at yourself. And remember, we're all dust in the wind.  Key Quote: "Many of you will go on to stellar careers and various pursuits. And four of you—and I'm not at liberty to say which four —will go on to star in the porno industry."

Steve Jobs, Stanford University, Class of 2005

Tone: Cautionary, melancholy. Theme: We'll all die one day, but the point of our short life is how we live it.  Key Quote: "All external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure − these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."

Billy Joel, Berklee College of Music, Class of 1993

 Tone: Introspective, menschy. Theme: Being a musician is a privileged calling and noble occupation. Key Quote: "Being a musician is not something you chose to be, it is something you are, like tall or short or straight or gay. There is no choice. Either you is or you ain't."

(A full transcription of the speech is available here .)

Barack Obama, Wesleyan University, Class of 2008

Prevailing Tone: Hopeful, serious, Kennedy-esque. Theme In a Nutshell: Change and progress don't happen overnight, but everyone can, and should feel obligated to, make even the smallest contribution toward a better humanity. Key Quote: "All it takes is one act of service, one blow against injustice, to send forth that tiny ripple of hope."

Conan O’Brien, Dartmouth College, Class of 2011

Tone: Relentlessly witty, generous. Theme: You will fail, and it will be the best thing that ever happened to you. Eventually. Key Quote: "At Harvard, five different guys told me that they would one day be President of the United States. Four of them were later killed in motel shoot-outs." 

Amy Poehler, Harvard University, Class of 2011

Tone: Pop-culture literate, practical. Theme: No one gets great at anything alone, all fears are both valid and conquerable, and as long as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is toppling movie villains, everything will be OK.  Key Quote: "Would it kill you to be nicer to your parents? They have sacrificed so much for you, and all they want you to do is smile and take a picture with your weird cousins."

Aaron Sorkin, Syracuse University, Class of 2012

Tone: Down-to-earth, anecdotal. Theme: As an educated young adult, your greatest responsibility isn't to your boss, but to yourself and to the world. Key Quote: " I wish I could tell you that there was a trick to avoiding the screw-ups, but the screw-ups, they're a-coming for ya. It's a combination of life being unpredictable and you being super dumb."

David Foster Wallace, Kenyon College, Class of 2005

Tone: Bracing, laureate-like. Theme: We can learn a lot by deeply considering not only our own, but other peoples' experiences and points of view, and from being just a little less righteous and self-absorbed. Key Quote: "If you're automatically sure that you know what reality is, and you are operating on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won't consider possibilities that aren't annoying and miserable."

Brian Williams, George Washington University, Class of 2012

Tone: Humble, sly. Theme: This world is what you make it, not what any one person or previous generation tells you it's doomed or destined to be. Key Quote: "Don't forget that by being here today you have now achieved something I was not able to achieve."

Oprah Winfrey, Spelman College, Class of 2012

Tone: Authoritative, lyrical. Theme: Find empowerment in spirituality and self-possession, rather than letting our societal roles define us. And don't be lazy. Key Quote: "Let excellence be your brand."

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21 Of The Most Iconic And Memorable Oscars Acceptance Speeches Of All Time

From the hilarious to the tear-jerkers, here's a list of the best speeches of all time.

Acceptance speeches at the Oscars have a reputation for being emotional, awkward, inspirational or, somehow, all three at the same time.

Let's not forget that these are actors and therefore people who make money from being dramatic or creating drama for a living.

So, is it really any surprise that when these actors win the highest honour in their field, things get very intense very quickly?

From Gwyneth Paltrow sobbing in a pink princess dress to Michael Moore berating George Bush, in celebration of the 96th Academy Awards (March 10), let's take a look back at some of the most memorable Oscars speeches from throughout the years ...

The Most Empowering Oscars Speeches

Michelle yeoh - best actress in a leading role, 2023.

Michelle Yeoh became the first asian woman to win the Best Actress In A Leading Role accolade for her part in Everything Everywhere All at Once at the 95th Academy Awards.

In a rousing speech the 60 year-old star told the audience: 'Thank you for all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.'

Holding up her gold Oscar she exclaimed: 'This is proof that dream big and dreams do come true, and ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re past your prime.'

'This is history in the making,' Yeoh rightly said.

Ariana DeBose - Best Supporting Actress, 2022

West Side Story star Ariana DeBose gave an empowering and heartfelt speech when accepting her 'Best Supporting Actress' accolade at the 94th Academy Awards.

She spoke proudly of being an 'openly queer woman of colour' and told the audience 'there is indeed a place for us'.

Referring to her early days as a performer, she said: 'Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes.

'You see an openly queer woman of colour, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we’re here to celebrate.'

Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste - Best Original Score, 2021

Zendaya presented the trio with the Oscar for Best Original Score for their animated film Soul at the 93rd Oscars.

'You know what’s deep is God gave us 12 notes, it’s the same 12 notes that Duke Ellington had, that Bach had, Nina Simone,' Ross began.

'I want to point out that every gift is special. Every contribution with music that comes from the divine into the instruments into the film, into the minds, hearts and souls of every person who hears it, the stories that happen when you listen to it and watch it and the stories you share, the moments you make, the memories you create, man, it’s just so incredibly special. It’s just so incredibly special… we’re incredibly humbled and thankful. I’m thankful to God for those 12 notes.'

Lupita Nyong'o - Best Supporting Actress Oscars Speech, 2014

Nyong'o glided up to accept her award for her role in the harrowing Steve McQueen movie 12 Years A Slave, looking radiant wearing a Prada dress and headband which only added to the angelic nature of the speech. Nyong'o thanked McQueen and her co-stars so authentically before paying tribute to her brother and best friend and ending with a message to the audience, 'May this remind you that no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.'

John Legend and Common - Best Original Song Oscars Speech, 2015

After a searing performance of their song 'Glory', which accompanied Ava DuVernay's Martin Luther King Jr. drama Selma , John Legend and Common took to the stage to accept their Oscar. The duo spoke about the parallels between the march for equal rights and justice acknowledged in the film and song and the people who continue fighting for their rights today. Legend used his platform to highlight the injustices in the American judicial system and urge for criminal justice reform.

Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney - Best Adapted Screenplay, 2017

The Moonlight director and writer gave an impassioned acceptance speech, encouraging young Black and LGBTQ+ people watching to have the confidence to tell their stories.

'This goes out to all those Black and brown boys and girls and non-gender conforming who don't see themselves, we're trying to show you, you and us. So thank you, this is for you,' said McCraney.

While Jenkins reminded viewers that the Academy and ACLU - America's biggest civil rights organisation - were there for them saying, 'All those people out there who feel like there's no mirror for you and your life is not reflected... we have your back and for the next four years we will not leave you alone and will not forget you.' Later on in the night, the two returned to the stage to accept the award for Best Picture, though were ultimately and understandably caught off guard after La La Land was announced as the wrong winner.

Frances McDormand - Best Actress Oscar Speech, 2018

'I'm hyperventilating a little bit, if I fall over pick me up because I've got some things to say,' began McDormand before paying tribute to her Three Billboards colleagues, her husband Joel Cohen and son Pedro McDormand Cohen before asking all the female nominees from every category in the room to stand with her. 'Meryl if you do it, everyone else will,' she said to Streep in the front row.

She then proceeded to educate ask the men in the room to meet with all the women they see standing to listen to their career ambitions and projects before mentioning two words, and subsequently enticing the audience at home to Google rapidly, 'inclusion rider' - a clause in an actor/filmmaker's contract that ensures a certain level of diversity in the cast and crew on a production.

The Most Entertaining Oscars Speeches

Ben affleck and matt damon - best original screenplay oscars speech, 1997.

Aged just 25 and 27, childhood friends Affleck and Damon won an Oscar for writing their film, Good Will Hunting. The pair shouted their speech, as they reeled off people to thank from Minnie Driver to Robin Williams to their mothers, escalated in volume as they became more excitable and aware of the time limit.

Julia Roberts - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2001

The actress won the Best Actress Academy Award for portraying environmental lawyer Erin Brockovich in 2001 and accepted it with a hilarious speech which alternated between thanking everyone Roberts has ever met (she literally thanks 'anyone I've ever met in my whole life') at one point and battling with the behind the scenes Oscars crew keeping time on her speech: 'Man with the stick I see you!'

Olivia Colman - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2019

When Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell announced the former Peep Show star as the winner and she was stunned into the backs of her seat, while being embraced and kissed by her husband, Ed on one side and a weeping Emma Stone on the other, we knew this was going to be a great speech.

Colman did not disappoint, starting her speech with, 'It's genuinely quite stressful, this is hilarious, I've got an Oscar', before poking her tongue out at the teleprompter when she was told to wrap up and simply pointing and saying 'Lady Gaga' at the star and her fellow nominee in the front row.

Daniel Kaluuya - Best Supporting Actor Speech, 2021

During the ceremony, the British actor won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah. In his speech he paid tribute to Chairman Fred Hampton, who he portrayed in the film, and his work in civil rights.

But he then thanked his parents in what could quite possibly be the funniest shoutout in Oscars' history.

‘I’d like to thank my mum,’ he said. ‘You gave me everything. You gave me your factory settings. So I could stand at my fullest height. Thank you so much for showing me myself, and there’s so much work to do. That’s on everyone in this room. This ain’t no single man job. I look at every single one of you. We’ve got work to do.'

At the end of his speech, the star thanked his parents for bringing him into the world, much to his family's shock, who were watching the ceremony live in London.

‘My mum and my dad...they had sex. It's amazing! I'm here!’ he said, before the crowd went wild with applause.

The Most Emotional Oscars Speeches

Troy kotsur - best supporting actor, 2022.

The actor collected his award for Coda , and made history as the first male deaf actor to win an Academy Award.

'It’s a tough journey as a Deaf actor,' he said during his speech. 'There’s so few opportunities out there, and [Marlee Matlin, his Coda co-star] kept on going. She was persistent. And then so was I with my own career as a stage actor. So here I am today.”

The actor continued, paying tribute to his father: 'My dad, he was the best signer in our family. But he was in a car accident, and he became paralysed from the neck down. And he no longer was able to sign. Dad, I learned so much from you. I’ll always love you. You are my hero.'

Gwyneth Paltrow - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 1999

Paltrow was famously tearful when she won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare In Love in 1999. The star became the most emotional when paying tribute to her father Bruce Paltrow, who was in the audience with her mother Blythe Danner, and who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 1999. Paltrow passed away from cancer complications in 2002 aged 58.

Halle Berry - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2002

Berry had tears running down her face when she reached the stage to accept her Academy Award for Monster's Ball , becoming the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award in the process. 'This moment is so much bigger than me,' Berry said as she struggled to speak through tears while recounting her acting heroes. 'It's for every faceless, nameless, woman of colour who now has the chance because this door tonight has been opened.'

Jamie Foxx - Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2005

Starting with some Ray Charles vocals in homage to the singer he portrayed in the Oscar-winning film, Foxx then thanked his daughter (who he brought to the Oscars that night) for telling him just before the award, 'If you don't win Dad, you're still good', before a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, Marie, where Foxx struggled to hold back tears.

Heath Ledger - Best Supporting Actors Oscars Speech, 2009

In 2009, Ledger was posthumously awarded an Oscar for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight , a year after his death. The award was received on his behalf by his family, who said they had been 'truly overwhelmed' by the honour and respect attributed to Ledger and accepted it on behalf of his daughter with Michelle Williams, Matilda.

Viola Davis - Best Supporting Actress Oscar Speech, 2017

Davis was overcome with emotion as she delivered her Oscars speech for her role in Fences in 2017, especially when talking about the impact of her parents on her life and career. Emma Stone looked particularly teary-eyed at the end when Davis paid tribute to her husband Julius Tennon and their children. 'I'm so glad you are the foundation of my life,' Davis said as she wrapped up her speech.

The Most Political Oscars Speeches

Marlon brando - best actor oscars speech, 1973.

The actor won his award for The Godfather in 1973 however declined his award and gave the opportunity for a speech to actress Sacheen Littlefeather, who used the platform to criticise the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood. She passed on the message that Brando couldn't accept the award because of the 'treatment of American Indians today by the film industry and on television and movie reruns'.

Michael Moore - Best Documentary Oscars Speech, 2003

Accepting his award for gun-control documentary Bowling for Columbine, director Michael Moore used his time on stage to criticise the George Bush presidency and Iraq War.

An impassioned Moore raised his voice as he said, 'Shame on you Mr Bush' while the audience roundly booed (though some applause was had) and high-profile celebrities like Adrien Brody looked on awkwardly.

Writing about his Oscars speech for The Hollywood Reporter, in 2017, Moore said: ' Later, my wife and I walked over to the Governors Ball. When I walked in, it was like the Red Sea parting. No one there wanted to be anywhere near the guy who got booed off the stage. One board member told me, "Wow, you really know how to ruin a standing ovation."'

However, he caveated that over the years he has a lot more of a positive reception to his speech than on the night in 2003.

Leonardo DiCaprio - Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2016

In 2016, the world waited with baited breath to see if The Revenant star would finally win an Oscar many thought he should have received years before. He did and nailed his speech in the process, using the platform to eloquently pay tribute to and urge protection of indigenous people while also asking for action on Climate Change, which he called 'the most urgent threat facing our entire species'.

Oh, we can't wait for the Oscars this weekend.

The Sweetest Oscars Speech

Brendan fraser - best actor oscar speech, 2023.

Brendan Fraser won the Oscar for Best Actor for his leading role in The Whale at the 95th Academy Awards. The actor came to the podium with tears in his eyes, and relayed a moving, whale and water themed speech that had everyone in the audience moved, telling his co-workers for the film: 'you laid your whale-sized hearts bare so we could see into your souls like no one else.'

Fraser found success in the late 1990s and 2000s, but after 20 years Fraser has experienced something of a comeback, telling the audience at the Oscars: ' Things they didn’t come easily to me...I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement.'

Emerald Fennell - Best Original Screenplay Oscar Speech, 2021

Emerald Fennell won the Oscar for the Best Original Screenplay for Promising Young Woman at the 93 rd Oscars, and adorably began her acceptance speech by revealing that she hadn’t actually written anything to say.

‘They said write a speech and I didn’t, because I just didn’t think this would happen, and I’m going to be in trouble with [producer] Stephen Soderbergh,’ she admitted.

‘He’s so heavy and he’s so cold!’ she joked about her Oscar on picking it up, adding: ‘So, the only speech I ever wrote was when I was 10, soI had a look to see if there was anything useful from it, but it mostly thanked Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell , my very supportive husband. ‘Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as much a part of my life as I’d hoped, and so that speech is not that useful.’

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The Most Memorable Oscar Speeches in Academy History

By Nate Nickolai

Nate Nickolai

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No Academy Awards is complete without some emotional acceptance speeches on stage – and some political ones to boot.

With just 90 seconds to make an impact, many actors have used the platform as a voice for political change, calling attention to hot-button issues like climate change and gender equality, while others have simply reveled in their wins. Either way, acceptance speeches are always some of the most entertaining parts of the evening.

In honor of this year’s Academy Awards, Variety has compiled a complete list of the most memorable speeches in Oscar history, tackling everything from Halle Berry’s emotional best actress acceptance to Jennifer Lawrence’s ill-fated walk up the Academy steps.

See the full list of speeches below.

Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney (Best Adapted Screenplay for “Moonlight” in 2017)

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After taking home an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, Barry Jenkins and Terell Alvin McCraney tackled issues of representation with their acceptance speech, honoring both young people of color and gender non-conforming viewers. “This goes out to all those black and brown boys and girls and non gender-conforming who don’t see themselves, we’re trying to show you you, and us. So thank you, thank you. This is for you,” McCraney said while accepting the award.

Popular on Variety

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon (Best Original Screenplay for “Good Will Hunting” in 1997)

Ben Affleck became one of the youngest people ever to win an Oscar for best original screenplay when he took home the award alongside Matt Damon in 1997, and his youth showed. “T here’s no way we’re doing this in less than 20 seconds,” he laughed, before tackling a long list of thank you’s filled with excited interjections from Damon throughout the entire speech. “I know we’re forgetting somebody,” he concluded before Damon took over with some shouts of love, reminiscent of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s own speech earlier in the evening: “ Whoever we forgot, we love you! We love you!”

Cate Blanchett (Best Actress for “Blue Jasmine” in 2014)’

Cate Blanchett used her speech to set the record straight for anyone who is “still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films with women at the center are niche experiences.” “They’re not,” she said. “Audiences want to see them, and in fact, they earn money.” The actress also decided to honor her fellow nominees with some light humor and well-meaning words. “Sit down, you’re too old to be standing,” she began, before launching into a long catalog of praise for her fellow nominees in the category, including Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock and Judy Dench. Her speech also created some confusion after she told Julia Roberts to #SuckIt, which was left unexplained until a year later when she told Jimmy Kimmel that it was merely a way of saying goodbye to the previous year.

Cuba Gooding Jr. (Best Supporting Actor for “Jerry Maguire” in 1997)

Cuba Gooding Jr. wanted to spread the love with his acceptance speech, which involved fist-pumps, jump kicks and multiple “I love you’s” shouted to the crowd. The passionate exhibition got the crowd on its feet and showed viewers that Oscar speeches don’t have to be formal thank you letters.

Frances McDormand (Best Actress for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” in 2018)

Frances McDormand used her acceptance speech to teach viewers about inclusion riders – a stipulation that actors and actresses can have inserted into their contracts, which would require a specific level of diversity within a film’s cast and crew. While somewhat vague, McDormand’s speech was a clear call to action that fit in well with the surrounding #MeToo rhetoric. “ Don’t talk to us about it at the parties tonight. Invite us into your office in a couple days, or you can come to ours, whatever suits you best, and we’ll tell you all about them. I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: ‘inclusion rider,'” she said.

Halle Berry (Best actress for “Monster’s Ball” in 2002)

Tears were already streaming down Halley Berry’s face before she even took the stage for her best actress acceptance speech in 2002. In between sobs and shrieks of joy, the actress acknowledged a number of other actresses, before dedicating the award to women of color in general. “ 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,” she said.

Jennifer Lawrence (Best Actress for “Silver Lining Playbooks” in 2013)

Jennifer Lawrence’s speech isn’t famous for what she said, but more so for what happened right before it. The ever-relatable actress took over the internet after she fell on the stage steps while walking up to accept her award. “You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell and that’s really embarrassing, but thank you,” she said about the applause. “This is nuts.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDU7zLAd2-U

Joe Pesci (Best Supporting Actor for “Good Fellas” in 1991)

With only 90 seconds to deliver an entire acceptance speech, most actors struggle to find their words before the Academy starts playing its music. But for Joe Pesci, the audience had barely finished clapping by the time he finished his speech. In what goes down as probably shortest Oscar speech of all time, Pesci accepted his award with a simple, “ It was my privilege. Thank you.”

John Legend and Common (Best Original Song for “Glory” from “Selma” in 2015)

John Legend and Common got political in their acceptance speech, calling out issues of race and incarceration rates in America in a speech reminiscent of some of Martin Luther King Jr.’s own words. “We know that the voting rights, the act that they fought for 50 years ago is being compromised right now in this country today. We know that right now the struggle for freedom and justice is real,” Legend said. “We live in the most incarcerated country in the world. There are more black men under correctional control today than were under slavery in 1850. When people are marching with our song, we want to tell you that we are with you, we see you, we love you, and march on.”

Julia Roberts (Best Actress for “Erin Brokovich” in 2001)

Julia Roberts was all about sisterhood during her passionate acceptance speech, in which she recognized her fellow nominees. “I would like to start with telling you all how amazing the experience of feeling the sisterhood of being included in a group with Joan Allen and Juliette Binoche and Laura Linney and Ellen Burstyn for these last weeks has been,” she said. “It’s just felt like such a triumph to me to be in that list. My name starts with ‘R’ so I’m always last, but I still love the list.”

Leonardo DiCaprio (Best Actor for “The Revenant” in 2016)

After five Oscar nominations and no wins, all eyes were on Leonardo DiCaprio when he took the stage for his first Oscar acceptance speech. But what followed was not a cathartic shout of joy but rather a powerful call to action – the “Revenant” star clearly had some more pressing issues on his mind. After thanking several people who worked on the film, DiCaprio spent the majority of his speech addressing climate change, highlighting the detrimental effects of big polluters and leaving viewers with the powerful last words, “ Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted.”

Marlon Brando (Best Actor for “Godfather” in 1973)

Marlon Brando goes down in acceptance speech history for not giving a speech at all. Instead, the “Godfather” actor asked Apache Native American Sacheen Littlefeather to accept the best actor award in his stead, protesting the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans as well as the abuse occurring at Wounded Knee at the time. “I beg at this time that I have not intruded upon this evening and that we will in the future, our hearts and our understandings will meet with love and generosity,” Littlefeather said to both boos and cheers from the audience.

Patricia Arquette (Best Supporting Actress for “Boyhood” in 2015)

Any speech endorsed by Meryl Streep is a speech worth listening to, and Patricia Arquette’s 2015 acceptance speech appears to be one of her favorites. The “Boyhood” actress ended her Oscar win with a powerful message about gender equality, garnering finger points and shouts of agreement from Streep herself. “ To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights,” Arquette said. “It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America.”

Reese Witherspoon (Best Actress for “Walk the Line” in 2006)

Reese Witherspoon endeared audience members with her distinctive country twang and a speech chock-full of childhood memories and feel-good country values. After honoring her fellow actors in the same tradition as childhood inspirations Johnny Cash and June Carter, Witherspoon reflected on her relationship with her grandmother who she said taught her “h ow to be a real woman, to have strength and self respect and to never give those things away.”

Roberto Benigni (Best Foreign Language Film for “Life Is Beautiful” in 1999)

Few Oscar winners can claim the same level of excitement as Roberto Benigni who celebrated his Oscar win by crawling across the Academy seats and thrusting his arms into the air. The excitement continued as he walked to the stage, hopping up each step before embracing presenter Sophia Loren and bowing to the audience.

Sally Field (Best Actress for “Places in the Heart” in 1985)

According to Sally Field, winning a second Oscar is even more exciting than the first. While accepting the best actress award in 1985, the “Places in the Heart” actress acknowledged that she had never fully appreciated her first win, before concluding with an emotional cry to the audience, “ I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!”

Shirley MacLaine (Best Actress for “Terms of Endearment” in 1984)

Shirley MacLaine said what everyone was thinking when she first took the stage: “I’m going to cry because this show has been as long as my career.” But the jokes ended there as MacLain delivered a rousing speech about the power of passion in making your dreams come true. “Films and life are like clay, waiting for us to mold it. And when you trust your own insides and that becomes achievement, it’s a kind of a principal that seems to me that works with everyone,” she said. “God bless that principal. God bless that potential that we all have for making anything possible if we think we deserve it. I deserve this, thank you.”

Tom Hanks (Best Actor for “Philadelphia” in 1993)

Red ribbons were everywhere at the 1993 Oscars as actors donned the crimson thread in honor of AIDS victims across the world, a cause Tom Hanks took to heart during his acceptance speech for best actor. Hanks got personal during his speech, reflecting on the importance of the gay men in his life and confronting the extreme loss brought on by the disease. “ I know that my work in this case is magnified by the fact that the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels,” he said. “We know their names. They number a thousand for each one of the red ribbons that we wear here tonight.”

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