Top 10 Times Award Shows Speeches Tackled Important Issues
#10: Taylor Swift Empowers Young Women
“58th Annual Grammy Awards” (2016)
While the 2009 VMAs saw Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech infamously cut short by Kanye West, the singer-songwriter got some much deserved time to shine at the 2016 Grammys. Winning Album of the Year for the modern masterpiece that is “1989,” Swift became the first leading female artist to achieve this honor twice. She not only owns her accomplishment in her subsequent speech, but uses the moment to inspire other young women to do the same for themselves. Swift doesn’t beat around the bush, and her words are all the better for it. Even as it precedes the
#MeToo movement and her decision to re-record her first six albums, it’s still a defiant and, shall we say, “fearless” move on Swift’s part.
#9: “Spotlight” Wins Best Picture
“88th Academy Awards” (2016)
Despite competition from big budget spectacles like “The Revenant” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the journalism drama “Spotlight” took home the 88th Academy Award for Best Picture. It was an underdog victory not unlike the real-life investigation it covered, and the producers’ speech exemplifies the triumphs of both. Much like the film itself, they praise the strength of those whose voices were heard once the cover-up of sex crimes within the Roman Catholic Church was exposed. With the cast and some of the actual journalists on stage with them, their words resonated throughout the audience and beyond. In an era where keeping power in check becomes increasingly important, theirs forever remains a timely message.
#8: Michael Keaton Discusses the Opioid Epidemic
“28th Screen Actors Guild Awards” (2022)
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“Spotlight”’s big win all but confirmed Michael Keaton’s comeback, as the beloved actor earned a SAG Award for his work alongside the distinguished cast. Keaton would win another award from the Screen Actors Guild years later for his performance in the miniseries “Dopesick,” which tackled the equally gripping opioid epidemic. Playing a physician who becomes ensnared in the crisis, his speech gets right to the heart of America’s struggle with opioids. While Keaton affirms his pride in the work he’s done to inspire change, things get personal when he reveals how the epidemic has affected his family. It’s a touching and cathartic moment, and it goes to show that you don’t need a cape and cowl to provide hope.
#7: Leonardo DiCaprio Promotes Climate Change Awareness
“88th Academy Awards” (2016)
As one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors, it’s easy to forget that Leonardo DiCaprio is also a dedicated environmentalist. In fact, he was combating the elements on and off screen during production on “The Revenant,” which scored him his long-awaited first Oscar. We clamored for years to see Leo get his moment on stage, and he didn’t waste a single second. After handing out the traditional “thank yous,” DiCaprio touches upon how the difficulties making the film inspired his climate change activism even more. It makes for an impassioned plea for change as he speaks on behalf of the underprivileged and indigenous people of the world. “The Revenant” may have lost the big prize, but this speech was well worth the wait.
#6: Bruce Springsteen on the HIV/AIDS Crisis
“37th Annual Grammy Awards” (1995)
Having won the Best Original Song Oscar for “Streets of Philadelphia,” Bruce Springsteen became a voice for the very real crisis the song was brave enough to address. Written for the film “Philadelphia,” the song captures the sense of alienation and abandonment that had befallen those affected by HIV and AIDS in the late 20th century. It was that unwavering empathy that eventually netted Springsteen the Song of the Year Grammy. Ever the humble rock maestro, the Boss dedicates the award to those who have shared with him their stories about living in the shadow of a life-altering diagnosis. Stigmas surrounding the disease have thankfully dissipated over the years, and the honest conversations inspired by speeches like Springsteen’s may have something to do with that.
#5: Marlon Brando Rejects the Oscar
“45th Academy Awards” (1973)
One of the most infamous moments in Oscars history, Marlon Brando’s Best Actor win for his legendary turn in “The Godfather” might have been less controversial had he been present to accept it. But he wasn’t. Instead, Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather refused the award on his behalf. Littlefeather cited the poor treatment of Native Americans on film and television as a primary cause, while also turning attention to the siege at Wounded Knee. The house was divided, as some clapped while others were vocally critical. Brando himself was criticized for not being there to take the heat, but the Academy’s apology to Littlefeather before her 2022 passing ensured that both of their hearts were in the right place.
#4: Logic on Equality & Combating Prejudice
“60th Annual Grammy Awards” (2018)
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The 2018 Grammys saw a number of presenters give empowering speeches, including Janelle Monáe and Camila Cabello. But it was Song of the Year nominee Logic who made arguably the biggest impression of the night. Following the In Memoriam tribute, Logic took the stage to perform his nominated track, “1-800-273-8255,” emphasizing its message of seeking help and remembering you’re not alone. The rapper then concluded his performance with an evocative declaration of support for various causes, including gender and racial equality. His message reaches those who need it the most, reminding us that life is too short to be wasted on prejudice. For as fraught as these issues still are, sometimes it only takes one person to inspire kindness and unity.
#3: Vanessa Redgrave’s Stance Against Anti-Semitism
“50th Academy Awards” (1978)
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A lot can go wrong when words are misinterpreted. That was what happened to screen legend Vanessa Redgrave while accepting the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Julia.” Playing an anti-Nazi activist in the film, Redgrave’s denouncement of anti-Semitism persisted offscreen as she audaciously rebuts the Jewish Defense League in her speech. The JDL had previously threatened her due to her involvement with the documentary “The Palestinian.” Members of the radical organization even stood outside the ceremony to protest Redgrave’s nomination by burning an effigy in her likeness. Things weren’t much better inside, as the actress’s choice of words infuriated several audience members. Nevertheless, Redgrave has maintained to this day that her stance against anti-Semitism was never meant to insult Israeli supporters.
#2: Tom Cruise Addresses the September 11th Attacks
“74th Academy Awards” (2002)
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Nowadays, it seems as though few appreciate the joy of filmmaking the way Tom Cruise does. So it’s fitting that he, of all people, would be able to eloquently reckon with his chosen medium’s purpose, even in the midst of humanity’s darkest hour. On a night devoted to celebrating movie memories, Cruise opened the 74th Academy Awards with some of his own. His speech is all in good fun until he reflects on the September 11th attacks, which had occurred several months prior to the ceremony. Cruise’s words are somber to say the least, as the fallout of the tragedy can still be felt to this day. But they’re also a stirring reminder that movies can carry an even greater significance in times of turmoil.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Lady Gaga Champions Mental Well-Being, “61st Annual Grammy Awards” (2019)
This Speech Is Far From Shallow
Brian Cox Condemns the Invasion of Ukraine, “28th Screen Actors Guild Awards” (2022)
On or Off Screen, There’s No Silencing This Man
Sally Field Condemns the Iraq War, “59th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2007)
We Would Never Censor a Speech Like This
Sean Penn’s Call For LGBTQIA+ Rights, “81st Academy Awards” (2009)
The Spirit of Harvey Milk Endures with This Speech
Joey Soloway on Transgender Civil Rights, “67th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2015)
Nothing Transparent About This Speech, & That’s the Way We Like It
#1: Halle Berry’s Historic Best Actress Win
“74th Academy Awards” (2002)
While everyone else shared their memories, Halle Berry made history. The 74th Academy Awards was already a celebratory night for African-American actors, as Denzel Washington and the great Sidney Poitier also received awards themselves. But when Halle Berry was announced as Best Actress for “Monster’s Ball,” she became the first Black woman to receive the award. The singularity of her achievement makes her speech all the more eye-opening over 20 years later. Fighting through tears, she uses her time to shine a light on other actresses of color who laid the foundation for her success. She’s humble and commanding all in the same breath, and her speech makes for an undeniably moving tribute to the power of representation.
What’s the most inspiring call to action you’ve seen from an awards stage? Let us know in the comments down below!
