Top 5 Most Memorable Oscar Speeches (MSN)

[Brian Damage]

Cuba Gooding Jr., “Jerry Maguire”
If anyone thought Gooding couldn’t get more boisterous than his money-loving football character (“Show me the money!”), he kicked it up a notch upon receiving the supporting-actor Oscar. Screaming over the play-him-off orchestra, he spouted his love — without ever stopping to breathe — to co-star Tom Cruise, writer-director Cameron Crowe and pretty anyone else he met on the set, probably even the catering guy. Looking back, it was smart of him to savor the moment, since he never made any speeches about the greatness that was “Boat Trip,” “Snow Dogs” or “Radio” after that.

[Brian Damage]

Jack Palance, “City Slickers”
I guess there could have been much more embarrassing ways to show off your virility in front of 40 million viewers than by doing one-armed push-ups. But Palance, for reasons only known to him, figured this was the appropriate time and place to prove he wasn’t washed up at 72. Host Billy Crystal couldn’t have been happier by the shocking turn of events. For the rest of the night, Crystal and his team of co-writers razzed Palance with one-liners that had the audience rolling. The actor passed away only a few months ago and, sadly, more will remember him for this crazy stunt than any of his roles over an astonishing six-decade career.

[Brian Damage]

Michael Moore, “Bowling for Columbine”
When Moore approached the microphone after winning best documentary, many expected fireworks. They weren’t disappointed. He almost immediately began railing against President Bush and the war in Iraq, to the sound of both cheers and boos. He was well aware than more people would see him and hear him in this broadcast than would see any of his films combined. Sadly, with Moore grabbing hold of the moment to deliver his political rants, the other producer of “Columbine” was left standing next to him on stage, never getting a chance to enjoy his moment of cinematic triumph.

[Brian Damage]

Tom Hanks, “Philadelphia”
Hanks seized the moment to thank both a former classmate and his high school drama teacher Rawley Farnsworth, who told the young actor, “To act well the part, all the glory lies.” He continued that they were “two of the finest gay Americans, two wonderful men that I had the good fortune to be associated with.” Starring in a powerful film that lessened much of the stigma of AIDS and then speaking those heartfelt words that night, Hanks became a major player in the fight against the disease, and a champion to help end discrimination for homosexuals.

[Brian Damage]

Marlon Brando, “The Godfather”
What, you don’t remember Brando’s speech? Well, that’s because he never gave it. Brando, who some consider the greatest actor of all time but most consider a complete flake, decided that winning an Oscar gave him the opportunity to address the plight of the American Indian. So after his name was called, Sacheen Littlefeather — in Native American garb from head to toe — walked up to the stage to the amazement of all and read a speech written by Brando that included the cheery line, “If we are not our brother’s keeper, at least let us not be his executioner.” Turns out, Littlefeather wasn’t even a Native American but an actor dressed for the part. Only in Hollywood.

[TJL]

Good list. Those were certainly memorable.

[Janice]

Memorable list. I'm surprised this one didn't make it.



"You like me. You really like me!"

[Liza]

I can think of a few that are missing:

Roberto Bonigni's speech (after he jumped over half the chairs in the audience) was a pretty memorable one.

Louise Fletcher signed her acceptance speech to her deaf parents (God, everyone cried at that).

Barbra Streisand's greeting her Oscar with "Hello, Gorgeous!"

And my personal favorite:


Adrian Brody's Best Actor award