What Makes A Great Oscar Speech?

 The concept of being awarded a golden statue — honored by your peers — it’s akin to winning the super bowl, or the world series, the pinnacle of success in a business with much talent, lots of egos, and enormous payouts.   Don’t get me wrong, I love movies, and I love watching the Oscars.  But I’m looking for is authenticity — which is what we should all strive for when we speak, no matter where it is.  I saw a few of those moments last night. 

Jared Leto had it.   Oh yes he thanked his Mom — but he did it in a way that recognized her struggle to get him to this night.   It was a shout out to every Mom who not only supports their kids by working hard, butstill teaches them to dream even when their own dreams may be long shattered.   And of course, he brought it global with mention of Ukraine and Venezuela.  Sometimes, mentions like that can seem patronizing … but not when Jared said it.   Kudos!

Another charmer — Lupita Nyong’o — who dedicated her Oscar to the real slave she played.   She taught us a lesson in humility with her words.

Today, Matthew McConaughey is catching some flak for all his talk about God and revealing his innermost thoughts.   He made some good succinct points —  clearly speaking from the heart– then he wandered a bit.   Key here — its important to stay focused and be clear.   When we are not, weconfuse our listeners.

My favorite moments, though,  had nothing to do with the words the winners spoke.  it was the body language, and seizing the moment.    Cate Blanchett’s face when she won — real surprise.   That wasn’t acting.   AndDarlene Love stole the show when she sang her thanks after the documentary , “20 feet from Stardom” won a statue.   Its worth the watch on You Tube.  Inspiring.

Director Steve McQueen had his long list of those he wanted to thank — and they deserved it —it takes a village and all of that … But I believe the thank you’s are a time to whet people’s appetite — about why you made the film and why they need to see it— after all you have a captive global audience.   And they should see “Twelve Years a Slave”.    What I did love was his pure unbridled jump for joy —    Wish all Oscar nites could end like that!