Ranked: Best Oscar Speeches of All Time

Did you know that our next Oscars ceremony by the Academy Awards will be its 20th show? How fitting, too, that it'll be in 2020. That's right — the little gold man statue has graced the homes, shelves, and hands of many a celebrity — for nearly two whole decades!

Whether you watch the Oscars or not, you know them. You should, after all — the ceremony is a $44 million event that takes 18 workers at least 900 hours to put together!

And you know the statue, too. The 24-karate, gold-plated Oscar statuette (that's estimated to be worth about $400 each).

And last, the best Oscar speeches. Like the dresses, tuxes, gowns, hair-dos, and makeup, the greatest of the Oscar speeches have gone down in history.

Let's take a look at some of the most memorable — perhaps you could use the inspiration for your next acceptance speech?

Marlon Brando in 1973

This speech was a memorable one. Why? Because Marlon Brando sent someone in his place to speak for him.

Sacheen Littlefeather, President of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee, came onto the stage when Brando's name was called. She approached the podium with her hand up in a "Stop" motion. She proceeded to introduce herself on Brando's behalf and explain that he very respectfully was declining the award.

What was the reason? Because of "the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry — and on television and movie reruns and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee."

Halle Berry in 2002

This one was notable for a few reasons.

First, she was the first African American woman to win a Best Actress Oscar. Second, she won that award the same night that Denzel Washington won one — making it the first time that two black performers won the leading awards.

And last, that epic speech!

She started it, "This moment is so much bigger than me." Berry dedicated the award to all the woman of color — the ones who came before her and the ones that stood beside her then. All the "nameless, faceless woman of color."

This speech was accompanied by tears, shock, and a whole lot of love and appreciation. Watch it and try not to cry!

Frances McDormand in 2018

We've tried to spread out the timeline of speeches — we've got one from the 70s and another from the early 2000s. So let's wrap up with a more recent, notable talk, by the Best Actress winner Frances McDormand.

Her speech, much like Brando's and Berry's, touched on current issues that she felt needed addressing. In this case, gender equality. Not only did she ask every female nominee to stand with her, but she then addressed the audience:

"We all have stories to tell and projects we need financed. 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." It was hurried, it was stream-of-conscious, and it was impactful.

She then ended with two, simple words: "'inclusion rider."

The audience didn't immediately react, clap, or cheer — it was more like a huh. But her two words got just the buzz she was looking for, as everyone did a quick Google search to understand pay equality on movie sets.

Some of the Best Oscar Speeches (Yet)

The Oscars aren't going anywhere! You can expect to see them on your TV screen come the beginning of next year. So make sure you plan ahead for this two-decade anniversary!

These are some of the best Oscar speeches, but there are only bound to be more. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

Do you have a ceremony of your own coming up? In need of trophies or medals?

Then contact us now — the UK's speediest awards supplier!