Top 10 Most Emotional Award Show Speeches
#10: Ke Huy Quan
Top 10 Most Chaotic Award Show Speeches
“80th Golden Globe Awards” (2023) From the moment Quan stepped on stage in tears, we knew we were goners. Ever the adorable gentleman, his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” began with a nod to Steven Spielberg. Though his career had begun so strongly in “Indiana Jones 2,” as an adult, Ke Huy Quan had struggled to find work, and for a time set aside his dreams of being an actor. Though his speech makes it sound like the Daniels took a chance on bringing him on, it’s not hyperbole to say Quan earns his win every moment he’s on screen in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Equal parts joyful, tearful, and wonderful, Quan’s words touched our hearts. Oh, and if you haven’t, watch the movie so you understand the googly eye on his lapel; it’s very cute.
#9: Halle Berry
“74th Academy Awards” (2002) Halle Berry's 2002 Academy Award win was not only deeply touching, it was also historical. When she earned her Best Actress Oscar for "Monster's Ball," she became the first Black woman to ever emerge victorious in that category. A standing ovation and applause broke out, and her extremely moving words, delivered through tears, fully captivated the room and those watching at home. It was a powerful moment, and Berry used it to honor past and present actresses of color. As of 2022, she remains the only Black actress to receive this distinction, making her speech more important than ever.
#8: Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
“79th Golden Globe Awards” (2022) The Hollywood Foreign Press faced major backlash due to the organization's lack of diversity; therefore, the 79th Golden Globe ceremony was not televised. Instead, the outcomes were made public after a private event. One of the most thrilling parts of the night was Michaela Jaé Rodriguez's Best Actress in a Television Drama win for "Pose." No openly transgender actor or actress had ever won a Golden Globe before, and she celebrated by taking to Instagram to express her excitement. She acknowledged the historical victory by stating that the door was now open for others to pursue their dreams. Although Rodriguez couldn't give a televised speech, Ryan Murphy paused his Carol Burnett Award acceptance the following year to give her the standing ovation she so deserved.
#7: Ari'el Stachel
Top 10 Funniest Award Show Acceptance Speeches
“72nd Tony Awards” (2018) In 2018, actor Ari'el Stachel received his first Tony for his role as Haled (hhhhAH-led) in the musical "The Band's Visit." Taking the stage to accept the Best Featured Actor in a Musical award, he used the platform to shed some light on the challenges of being Middle Eastern in the United States. He referenced the hardships he faced growing up, honored Middle Eastern youth, and spoke about how important representation is. His parents were also in attendance, which took the already moving experience to new heights. Years later, Stachel's speech is still just as impactful.
#6: Glenn Weiss
“70th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2018) While most award winners just use their stage time to give thanks, Glenn Weiss did something truly unique. While accepting the Outstanding Directing for Variety Special Emmy, he proposed to his partner, Jan Friedlander Svendsen, using his late mother’s ring. Yup, that’s right! Celebs, including Leslie Jones and Benedict Cumberbatch, were both surprised and encouraging as they watched the heartwarming affair unfold. Svendsen said, "yes!" which, as you can imagine, earned the couple a big round of applause and cemented this as one of the Emmys’ most unforgettable moments to date.
#5: Selma Blair
“48th People's Choice Awards” (2022) During the “People's Choice Awards” in 2022, Selma Blair was honored for her work on the 31st season of "Dancing with the Stars." The "Legally Blonde" actress, who lives with multiple sclerosis, gave a lovely speech, discussing how much the moment meant to her and thanking her loved ones. She notably shouted out her friend and presenter Sarah Michelle Gellar and her "DWTS" partner Sasha Farber. Blair had to end her stellar run on the dance competition series earlier than expected due to her medical condition. However, her speech proved that she’s stronger than ever, and it was nothing short of inspiring to see her be recognized for what she accomplished.
#4: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Top 10 Times Award Shows Speeches Tackled Important Issues
“70th Tony Awards” (2016) The 2016 Tony Awards fell on the same day as the horrific Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, which targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The weight of the tragedy could be felt at the ceremony, which honored the victims. When "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda won for crafting the musical's score, he read a pre-written sonnet which called attention to the senseless act of violence. He reminded the audience that love – in all its forms – is everlasting and enduring through a simple but impactful quote that continues to touch hearts. It was hard not to get choked up listening to him then, and hearing the speech has that same effect on us today.
#3: Viola Davis
“67th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2015) Not only is Viola Davis an excellent actress, she's also really great at giving speeches. One of her most memorable ones came when she earned an Emmy for her role as Annalise Keating on "How To Get Away with Murder." She started by quoting Harriet Tubman, and proceeded to speak about the importance of there being roles for women of color in Hollywood. She then listed off the names of fellow Black artists who have helped break barriers and create opportunities. It was a fitting tribute, since Davis was the first Black woman to be awarded the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. To say her speech was deeply stirring would be an understatement.
#2: Taylor Simone Ledward
“78th Golden Globe Awards” (2021) The world was shaken by the news of Chadwick Boseman's untimely passing in 2020. As fans grieved the "Black Panther" actor, his work continued to inspire. At the 2021 Golden Globes, he was nominated for his role in the film "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." When he was named as the winner of Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, his wife Taylor Simone Ledward, who was attending virtually, spoke in his place. It was an emotionally heavy and bittersweet speech, as she named everyone Boseman would have thanked if he had been there. She captured her late husband’s essence throughout, tugging on the heartstrings of all those watching. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Lizzo, “48th People’s Choice Awards” (2022)
The Singer Put a Spotlight on Activists Making Major Changes in the World
Kristin Chenoweth, “61st Primetime Emmy Awards” (2009)
“What Is This Feeling?” Chenoweth Got All Kinds of Emotional During Her Big Speech
Henry Winkler, “70th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2018)
Winkler Finally Took Home Primetime Emmy Gold, & His Speech Was Worth Waiting For
Lena Waithe, “69th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2017)
Waithe Won for Comedy Writing, but Delivered a Speech That Made Us Cry
Nicole Kidman, “75th Golden Globe Awards” (2018)
Kidman Movingly Honored Loved Ones & Advocated for an Important Cause
#1: Hattie McDaniel
“12th Academy Awards” (1940) In 1940, actress Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar. She was the first Black person to ever achieve this feat, taking home the Best Supporting Actress prize for her work in "Gone with the Wind." This marked a celebratory moment, but also one that held a mirror up to Hollywood. During her affecting speech, McDaniel tearfully called the win one of the “happiest moments of [her] life”, and described her heart as being extremely “full”. She didn’t speak for very long, but each word was powerful and deeply meaningful. It all carries an extra weight when you consider the barriers she faced at the ceremony, like being seated at a segregated table. Needless to say, her win and speech remain defining parts of history.
