The 7 most memorable Oscar speeches

Gwyneth Paltrow, Best Actress, Shakespeare in Love (1999)

In 1999 Gwyneth was a relative newcomer to the Hollywood scene, having only commanded large film roles since the mid 90s. But after a star turn in Shakespeare in Love, the 27-year-old was named best actress over industry giants Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett. Taking to the stage, a pink frocked Paltrow rambled off an endless thank you list, through tears, before being helped off stage by Jack Nicholson.

Charlize Theron, Best Actress, Monster (2004)

Charlize Theron’s star turn as a serial killer won her an Oscar in 2004, but she truly broke down when she referenced her own personal tragedy during her acceptance speech. As she thanked the film team, Theron said: “And my mom, you have sacrificed so much for me to be able to live here and make my dreams come true, thank you.” When she was just a teen, Theron’s father had drunkenly attacked her mother, with her mother shooting him in self-defence. Just a few years later, her mum bought Charlize a one way ticket to Los Angeles for her to try and make a name for herself as an actress – a move that evidently paid off.

Julia Roberts, Best Actress, Erin Brokovich (2001)

After winning best actress for her role in real life story Erin Brokovich, Julia famously told the orchestra conductor: “And sir, you’re doing a great job, but you’re so quick with that stick. So why don’t you sit, ‘cause I may never be here again.” The audience erupted with laughter and she charmed the socks off them for a further three minutes.

Halle Berry, Best Actress, Monster’s Ball (2002)

Halle Berry could barely contain herself when she became the first black female to win a best actress award in 2002, crying before she had even made it onto the stage. But she managed to hold it together to deliver this important message, telling the crowd: “This moment is so much bigger than me. It’s for every nameless, faceless woman of colour that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.”

Robin Williams, Best Actor, Good Will Hunting (1998)

“This might be the one time I am speechless,” said Williams when he accepted his Oscar for Good Will Hunting. And true to form, the star had the audience in stitches as he shared some advice his father once gave to him. “Most of all, I want to thank my father, up there, the man who when I said I wanted to be an actor, he said, ‘Wonderful. Just have a back-up profession like welding.’”

Ben Affleck, Best Picture, Argo (2013)

Not many actors successfully make it when they turn to directing, but Ben Affleck’s attempt with Argo – which he also starred in – proved a resounding success. Overcome with his win, Ben paid a touching tribute to his wife, Jennifer Garner, saying: “I want to thank you for working on our marriage for ten Christmasses. It is work but it’s the best kind of work and there’s no one I’d rather work with.” Garner, who was in the audience, looked to well up as her husband paid tribute to her. The couple announced their separation in 2015.

Meryl Streep, Best Actress, The Iron Lady (2012)

As she accepted her second best actress Oscar, Meryl Streep joked: “When they called my name, I had this feeling I could hear half of America going, ‘Oh no. Come on… Her, again?’ You know. But, whatever.’”