The Oscars are back, and while the excitement might feel a bit more subdued than in years past, there’s still a buzz in the air. Oscar viewership in 2024 was less than half of what it was in 2000 (American Beauty won that year). Nevertheless, this year’s nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards showcase an impressive mix of anticipated favorites and frankly, some genuine head-scratchers.
But they all highlight and celebrate the incredible diversity of storytelling in film — from films like “Emilia Perez,” which has the most nods and is a fresh take that has caught many off guard, fan-favorite “Dune II,” to more thought provoking entries like “The Substance” and “The Nickel Boys,” which tackle significant themes. And let’s not forget the highly anticipated musical “Wicked”.
As we gear up for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the essence of authentic leadership revealed through the acceptance speeches delivered on this grand stage.
Gallup research reveals a striking truth about our work lives: only about one-third of individuals feel they have the chance to truly shine in their roles each day. This raises an important question: when people are recognized for their talents, how do they reflect on that success? How do they express it—with gratitude and grace?
Oscar speeches often embody this spirit beautifully. I took the time to watch several acceptance speeches, seeking to understand what makes these moments resonate so deeply. In my humble opinion, they showcase some of the most powerful expressions of acknowledgment and appreciation.
The Power Of Acknowledgment
One speech that stood out to me was Viola Davis’s emotional acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in 2017 (for “Fences”). Her speech celebrated others who have helped her on her journey, acknowledged those who came before her and emphasized that her success was built on the shoulders of many.
When leaders recognize and honor their teams, they instill a sense of hope and purpose that drives collective success.
Davis’s speech illustrated a key aspect of authentic leadership: the ability to acknowledge others. Great leaders, like great actors, understand that their accomplishments are rarely a result of individual efforts. They often highlight the contributions of their teams, mentors and other key stakeholders, creating a narrative that speaks to collaboration rather than individualism.
Embracing Vulnerability
Alright! Alright! Alright!” As a Texan, I can’t help but highlight Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar speech in 2014, when he won for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club.” His speech beautifully encapsulated the power of vulnerability, showcasing how authenticity can resonate deeply with audiences.
He spoke candidly about his three greatest heroes: his future self, God, and his mother. In that moment, McConaughey exemplified a leader who isn’t afraid to embrace vulnerability—a trait that can foster trust and authenticity in any leadership role. His heartfelt narrative reminded us that great leaders can articulate personal aspirations and fears, drawing their audience closer.
In fact, I see that vulnerability is often a recurring theme in Oscar speeches, particularly in response to political or social changes. Marlon Brando’s refusal to accept an Oscar for “The Godfather”, and his decision to send Sacheen Littlefeather to draw attention to the Wounded Knee incident is one such example. That was an emotionally vulnerable moment, and Littlefeather faced significant abuse as a result. But she persisted—and rewrote Oscar history.
When actors step into these moments, intentionally showing vulnerability and embracing the possibility of having their mythic personas and personalities shattered, they demonstrate the importance of transparency and openness—qualities that can resonate powerfully with followers. As Gallup suggests, leaders who are willing to share their vulnerabilities not only build trust but also foster a culture of direct, honest feedback.
The Power Of Words
Often, speeches are meticulously prepared, and it was easy for me to identify which ones were. These adhered to a straightforward script—formulaic and descriptive, almost as if they were AI-written. However, many others emerged spontaneously, deeply resonating with the audience.
Lupita Nyong’o’s heartfelt acceptance speech in 2014 (for “12 Years a Slave”) is a lesson in authentic storytelling. Her speech was powerful and defining. “No matter where you are from your dreams are valid,” she stated. She spoke of struggle, acceptance, defiance and hope.
While she had certainly prepared, her authenticity shone through, making her words feel spontaneous and genuine. This balance between preparation and authenticity is crucial for leaders who must often communicate complex ideas succinctly—especially in moments when they have a limited window, like for an “elevator speech.” It’s then that words matter more.
The power of carefully chosen words can transform a simple acknowledgment into a motivating call to action. As Gallup’s research emphasizes, effective communication is central to successful leadership, and the ability to convey feelings clearly and concisely can inspire hope and drive engagement.
Healthy Competition
When it comes to the Oscars, winners often throw in a few obligatory words of acknowledgment for their fellow nominees. But it can feel a bit formulaic. And then there’s Michael Caine, who, when he accepted the Best Supporting Actor award for “The Cider House Rules,” turned the traditional speech on its head. Instead of simply thanking the Academy and his team, Caine used his moment in the spotlight to shine a light on the talented young men he was competing against. Just as context, he was 66 then and the average age of his fellow nominees was 32.
He didn’t just name names—he celebrated them. He called out Tom Cruise for his role in “Magnolia,” Michael Clarke Duncan from “The Green Mile,” Jude Law in “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” and even the 11-year-old, Haley Joel Osment from “The Sixth Sense.”
The way Caine engaged with them was a masterclass in humility and camaraderie. “Haley,” he said with a chuckle, “when I saw you, I thought, ‘Well, that’s me out of it.’” The audience erupted in laughter, and in that moment, Caine wasn’t just a winner; he was a fellow artist, acknowledging the incredible talent around him.
His speech was more than just a nod to competition; it was a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of filmmaking. “I’m basically up here, guys, to represent you as what I hope you will all be: a survivor.” With those words, Caine captured the essence of healthy competition—recognizing that while he might have won that night, the journey and resilience shared among them were what truly mattered.
Keeping It Simple
Sometimes, less is more. The Oscars have seen some of the shortest yet most memorable speeches in history. And of course the awards are famous for “playing people off the stage” when they have overstayed their welcome. But there have been some real short speeches too — Patty Duke (“The Miracle Worker”) and Rita Moreno (“West Side Story”) both delivered succinct speeches (1.5-2 minutes) that left a lasting impact.
But it’s hard to top Joe Pesci, who charmingly maintained his tough-guy persona with a five-word address as he accepted Best Supporting Actor for “Goodfellas.” “It’s my privilege. Thank you,” he said, flashing a sheepish grin before ducking offstage.
This simplicity can be incredibly powerful. In a world where communication is often verbose, leaders can take a cue from these moments. The ability to convey gratitude and appreciation in just a few words can resonate — proving that brevity can be just as powerful as eloquence.
In Memoriam
The Oscars always include a segment where artists, directors, writers, and others from the industry are remembered for their contributions. As powerful as the winners’ speeches, these moments are a true celebration of the talent that has reshaped the art of movie storytelling.
As we look toward this year’s Oscars, it’s also a moment to reflect on the lives and careers of legendary figures like Gene Hackman, who recently passed away, as well as others we have lost, such as Maggie Smith, Donald Sutherland, Richard Lewis, Kris Kristofferson and James Earl Jones.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, left an indelible mark on the film industry with his remarkable performances. His acceptance speeches for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” exemplify authenticity.
So, it would be appropriate to celebrate his life through his speeches. In his speech for “The French Connection,” Hackman expressed gratitude not just for the award but for the shared journey of filmmaking. He thanked the film’s director, and Best Director winner, William Friedkin — “Also, Mr. Billy Friedkin, who has already received his prize tonight, but I have to thank him because he really brought me through this when I wanted to quit”.
For me, watching these speeches has been equal parts illuminating and reflective. Here is a link to all these speeches in this article. These speeches offer more than just a celebration of cinematic excellence; they provide vital lessons in authentic living— and leadership.
Like the filmmakers and actors we admire, we, too, must strive to lead with authenticity, recognizing that our journeys are intertwined with those of others. A celebration of our efforts, such as the Oscars, is indeed a celebration of the human spirit—honoring those who came before us and those yet to come.