Memorable Acceptance Speeches At The Academy Awards 2025
Adrien Brody thanks partner Georgina Chapman and her kids and Kieran Culkin hints at his wife about having more kids
The 97th Academy Awards wrapped on Monday, March 3, Manila time. The film Anora took home three important awards: Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Director for Sean Baker.
But it was the thank you speeches that many paid attention to. From two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody’s shout to Georgina Chapman and her children to Zoe Saldaña’s message about being a daughter of immigrant parents, here are some memorable moments during their acceptance speeches.
Adrien Brody: Not My First Rodeo
Twenty-two years after winning his first Oscar for The Pianist, Adrien Brody went up on stage for the second time to accept his second win for his role in The Brutalist.
He began his speech by saying that “acting is a fragile profession.”
“One thing that I’ve gained, having the privilege to come back here — is to have some perspective. No matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away. And I think what makes this night most special is the awareness of that,” he said.
He also thanked his partner, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, whom he had been dating for five years and her children.
“I share this with my amazing partner Georgina, who has not only reinvigorated my own self-worth, but my sense of value, and my values. And her beautiful children, Dash and India. I know this has been a rollercoaster, but thank you for accepting me into your life. Popsy is coming home a winner.”
Dash and India are Chapman’s kids with Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who has been imprisoned after several women accused him of sexual assault and rape at the height of the #MeToo movement.
And as the music played, reminding him his time was up, he said: “I’m wrapping up. Please. Please. I will wrap up. Please turn the music off. I’ve done this before. It’s not my first rodeo. I will be brief.”
Before winning, Brody posted on Instagram to thank his family and those who supported him in the film. He was later seen with his dad at an after-party as they waited for his name engraved on his new Best Actor trophy.
Another highlight for Brody? He reunited with actress Halle Berry on the red carpet, who recreated their infamous kiss when he won for The Pianist. Georgina of course, cheered them on.
Kieran Culkin: More Kids in the Future?
Kieran Culkin closed his supporting actor campaign as he nabbed the Best Supporting Actor for the film A Real Pain. His speech got attention when he mentioned a story involving his wife Jazz and having more kids.
“ About a year ago, I was on stage [at the Emmys] and I very stupidly publicly said that I want a third kid from her,” he quipped. “ because she said if I won the award, she would give me the kid. She said that cuz she thinks I wasn’t going to get the award.”
After that talk, Kieran mentioned he did want four children. She then tells him “I’ll give you four when you win an Oscar. I held my hand and she shook it and I have not brought it up once until just now.”
And ending his speech, he joked to his wife: “Let’s get cracking on those kids!”
Kieran and Jazz share two kids: daughter Kinsey and son Wilder.
Zoe Saldaña: Proud daughter of Immigrant parents
Like Kieran Culkin, Zoë Saldana went for gold as she won Best Supporting Actress for the film Emilia Perez. Saldana, whose films include franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar, spoke proudly about her heritage as a daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic and dedicated the award to her grandmother.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” she told the audience at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. “With dreams and dignity, and hardworking hands. And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. I know I will not be the last. I hope.”
“The fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted. This is for my grandmother, Argentina Cesse. Thank you so much. Muchas gracias.”
A bonus for Saldaña? Her family was in the audience, including her husband Marco, to whom she gave a special mention, and their three sons.
Saldaña’s message comes as treatment among legal and illegal immigrants and racism among colored people have been making headlines in the United States.
Awards Season is Over
The Oscars wrapped up the awards season in the US, and the stars are in a party mood after the event. More films will be released soon and we can’t wait to see what family films will create buzz in the next awards season.
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