If we are lucky, we will all have a moment or two in our lives when we are celebrated or acknowledged for doing something good or well. Taking full advantage of that opportunity is an art and requires discipline and thought. Listening to the Academy Award’s acceptance speeches on Sunday night offered a masterclass in what to do and not to do when accepting an award. As a speech coach, I find this opportunity so instructive. Here are my highlights and the best practices –
- Be authentic, use humor, and make it personal
Kieran Culkin wins for Best supporting actor in ‘A Real Pain’ –
Culkin was most authentically himself – a little awkward and self-deprecating while expressing deep gratitude for everyone who has supported him along the way. He added humor and personalization with lines like:
Thanking mom and dad for “trying” to raise me – you gave it your best shot!
Turning to his wife, he shared that she promised him a fourth child WHEN he won an Oscar and so he ended with “let’s get crackin’ on those kids!”
- Be gentle, generous with appreciation and advocate for others
Mikey Madison wins best actress in a leading role for Anora –
Sometimes you notice what happens before a word is spoken. There was something special about her look of genuine surprise when her name was announced and the way she turned to share a gentle and loving hug with her fellow actors, her twin brother, and the film’s director. She didn’t rush it. She felt it and so did the audience.
During her speech she shared her support for the sex worker community (which was a core part of the film’s storyline). It was short but heartfelt. When your comments can be more about others than yourself, it is powerful.
- Honor time commitments and be humble
Adrien Brody wins best actor in a leading role for The Brutalist –
I admire Brody and love the film but his acceptance was diminished because he went too long (over 5 minutes – it was said to be the longest in history) and did so with a touch of arrogance as the music tried to play him off and he said, “please turn the music off, I’ve done this before, not my first rodeo…”. The last thing you want to do when receiving an award is to abuse the protocol and suggest you are an exception to the rule.
- Connect to your origin story and reference family influence
Zoe Saldana accepts the Oscar for best supportive actress –
The first words out of her mouth were a tearful shout out to her mother “Mommy!” and family. Acknowledging that she is a proud child of immigrant parents. To her sisters, “Everything brave and outrageous I’ve ever done in my life is because of you!” Her pledge to “pay it forward” was an acknowledgment that when good things come your way, your obligation is to advocate for and support others along the way. She called out that she is the first woman of Dominican origin to win this award. The pride and gratitude burst from her and moved her audience.
- Be bold and stake your claim
Paul Tazewell accepts best costume design for Wicked –
After expressing brief thanks, he stated, “I am the first Black man to win this award!” When you recognize the historic nature of what you’ve achieved, boldly acknowledge it! His callouts to his “muses” Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervio were also generous and endearing. A reminder that we never succeed alone.
These are just a few of the moments that jumped out to me. Remember to be authentic, humble, and grateful while bringing your unique perspective and advocacy to meet the moment.
