The Academy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the industry of cinema. Everyone who has worked in films, dreams about this very moment: winning an Oscar. For many years, the Oscars have been a brilliant platform to share cinematic masterpieces from across the world. When Parasite won Best Picture in 2020, the director, Bong Joon Ho said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” This shows what an institutional medium the Academy Awards have been.
From Troy Kotsur getting a standing ovation in sign language to Leonardo DiCaprio finally breaking his losing streak, here are some of the most iconic wins at the Oscars that we’re not going to get over, EVER!
Troy Kotsur Winning The Best Supporting-actor
Troy Kotsur won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his incredible performance in CODA. Presented by the previous year’s winner, Yuh-Jung Youn, who even announced the Kotsur’s name in sign language. There was not a single dry eye in the audience as the CODA star delivered his winning speech, dedicating the award to his father who has been a pillar of strength in his journey.
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Leonardo DiCaprio Winning Best Actor
After waiting for almost 22 years (he was first nominated in 1994 for Best Supporting Actor for his role in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape), Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar in 2016. Taking the golden beauty home for his remarkable performance in The Revenant, the Best Actor winner then took the stage to not only thank his team but also talk about climate change.
Halle Berry Winning Best Actress
The first-ever black woman to win Best Actress, Halle Berry took home the glorious award for her performance in Monster’s Ball in 2003. Halle broke into tears as her name was announced, getting a standing ovation from everyone in the audience. She then went on to deliver one of the most iconic Oscar-winning speeches, dedicating the award to every woman of colour, and inspiring them to take a chance and believe in their dreams.
Parasite Winning Best Film
The South Korean film, Parasite, made history by winning the Best Picture award at the Oscars 2020. Being the only non-English language film to win not just one but four top awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best International Feature film, this was iconic beyond measure.
Heath Ledger winning Best Supporting Actor
The late Heath Ledger, who passed away in 2008, won an Oscar for one of the most brilliant characters to have ever been portrayed on screen, the Joker in The Dark Night. The award was received by Ledger’s Mother, father, and sister, who accepted the award on behalf of his daughter, Matilda.
Hattie McDaniel Wins Best Supporting Actress
The first black woman to ever win an Oscar, Hattie McDaniel took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the iconic film, Gone with the Wind. Playing the role of Mammy, McDaniel created history with her brilliant acting.
Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn Split The Best Actress Award
Two of the greatest actresses of all time, Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn both won Best Actress awards in 1969, creating quite a buzz in Hollywood. Being the only one present, Streisand started her speech with her now-iconic dialogue, “Hello Gorgeous”, as she received the award.
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