For nearly a century, the Academy Award for Best Actor has been one of Hollywood’s highest honors. Year after year, this award has recognized actors who’ve completely lost themselves in their roles. This stage brings powerful performances, unforgettable characters, and raw emotions to the big screen.
From amazing biopics to heart-wrenching dramas, these wins don’t just celebrate talent; they show the evolving stories, themes, and performances that are loved by audiences and critics alike.
But beyond the golden trophy, there’s something else that always steals the spotlight—the acceptance speeches. Whether emotional, inspiring, or deeply personal, these moments give us a rare glimpse into an actor’s journey, struggles, and the gratitude he feels. So, here’s a look at the Best Actor winners from the last fifteen years and the words they shared when they took home Hollywood’s biggest prize.
15. Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer (2024)
Cillian Murphy’s win for Oppenheimer was nothing short of historic. As the first Irish-born actor to win Best Actor in decades, his victory was a proud moment for his home country. His performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, was haunting, intense, and deeply moving, capturing both the brilliance and the internal struggles of the man who changed history.
When Murphy took the stage to accept his award, he was visibly overwhelmed. His speech reflected deep appreciation for his longtime collaborators, particularly director Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas, with whom he has worked for over 20 years. He made sure to acknowledge his cast and crew, stating how they carried him through the process of making such a monumental film.
Murphy said (via Cosmopolitan),
I want to thank my incredible team. Big shout out to Craig Bankey, Brendan Murphy, Mary Murphy, Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life and art, my two boys Malachy and Aran who are sitting up there, I love you so much and I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight.
Murphy’s win also marked a significant achievement for Oppenheimer, as it became the first film since Dallas Buyers Club (2013) to win both male acting categories. With Robert Downey Jr. taking home Best Supporting Actor, it was a big night for the entire team.
He further said,
You know, we made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb and for better or for worse we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I’d really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Murphy’s speech wasn’t just about gratitude—he also took a moment to dedicate his win to “the peacemakers,” recognizing the weight of playing a character whose work had such a profound and devastating impact on the world.
14. Brendan Fraser for The Whale (2023)
Brendan Fraser’s Best Actor win for The Whale wasn’t just about his performance it was actually about his epic comeback. For years, Fraser had been absent from Hollywood’s limelight, and his triumphant return in Darren Aronofsky’s emotionally charged drama was a moment that moved audiences and industry insiders alike.
His role as Charlie, a reclusive, obese English teacher struggling with grief and regret, required immense emotional depth and physical transformation. Fraser wore prosthetics weighing up to 300 pounds to realistically portray Charlie, and the film itself sparked discussions about how obesity is represented in cinema. Despite some controversy, Fraser’s performance was widely praised for its raw honesty and vulnerability.
When Fraser took the stage, he was overwhelmed with emotion. He said (via People),
So this is what the multiverse looks like. My goodness, I thank the Academy for this honor and for our studio A24 for making such a bold film. I’m grateful to director Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship The Whale.
His speech reflected on his journey, his struggles, and the people who stood by him during his difficult years. He paid tribute to the film’s writer and director, thanking them for believing in him when Hollywood had largely forgotten him. He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to his castmates, particularly Hong Chau, whose performance he described as breathtaking.
He further said,
I started in this business 30 years ago, and things, they didn’t come easily to me, but there was a facility that I didn’t appreciate at the time, until it stopped. And I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement. Because it couldn’t be done without my cast.
Fraser’s speech was a moment of redemption. He spoke about how the industry had changed since he first started 30 years ago and how he finally felt seen and appreciated. It was a tearful, joyful, and unforgettable moment—one that truly captured the essence of what an Oscar win can mean to an actor.
13. Will Smith for King Richard (2022)
Winning an Oscar is the dream of every actor, and for Will Smith, his Best Actor win for King Richard in 2022 should have been the pinnacle of his career. But instead of the night being remembered for his incredible performance, it became infamous for something else entirely—his onstage altercation with Chris Rock.
While the incident stole headlines, there’s no denying that Smith’s portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, was nothing short of extraordinary. The film captured Richard’s unwavering determination to turn his daughters into champions, showing both his flaws and his deep belief in their potential. Smith’s performance was raw, powerful, and undeniably deserving of an Oscar.
When Smith accepted his award, his speech had a deeply emotional tone. He compared himself to Richard Williams, calling him a fierce defender of his family, and seemed to address the incident with Rock indirectly through his speech, talking about his responsibility to “protect” people. He mentioned words of wisdom from Denzel Washington, who reminded him that “at your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”
He further said (via BBC),
This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people – Tim White, producer and Trevor White, producer and Zach Baylin, writer and Saniyya and Demi and Aunjanue and the entire cast and crew of King Richard, and Venus and Serena, the entire Williams family. Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.
He apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees, but the damage had already been done. Despite the controversy, Smith’s performance remains one of the strongest of his career, and King Richard stands as a testament to his acting abilities.
12. Anthony Hopkins for The Father (2021)
Anthony Hopkins’ win for The Father was both historic and surprising. At 83 years old, he became the oldest Best Actor winner ever, and his victory was even more shocking because many expected the late Chadwick Boseman to win posthumously for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The Oscars producers had even restructured the ceremony, placing Best Actor as the final award of the night, anticipating an emotional moment in honor of Boseman. Instead, Hopkins’ win closed the ceremony in an anticlimactic fashion—with the actor not even present to accept the award.
Hopkins was in Wales at the time, and it wasn’t until the following morning that he shared a video message thanking the Academy. In his understated yet humble way, he acknowledged that he did not expect to win and paid tribute to Boseman, recognizing the incredible talent that had been lost too soon. He said (via People),
At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award. I really didn’t. I’m very grateful to the Academy, and thank you. Thank you all very much. I really did not expect this. So I feel very privileged and honored. Thank you.
His performance in The Father was undeniably brilliant. The film, which depicted the harrowing reality of dementia, was both heartbreaking and masterfully acted. Hopkins delivered a gut-wrenching portrayal of a man losing his grip on reality, and his performance was one of the most powerful of his career. Though his speech was brief and subdued, his win was well deserved.
11. Joaquin Phoenix for Joker (2020)
Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar win for Joker in 2020 wasn’t just an award—it felt like the peak of a career built on intense, transformative performances. His take on Arthur Fleck, a man spiraling into madness and eventually becoming the infamous Joker, was haunting, heartbreaking, and disturbingly real.
Phoenix took a different approach in his acceptance speech. Instead of focusing on himself, he used his moment in the spotlight to talk about social justice, environmental issues, and animal rights. His speech sparked mixed reactions—some found it powerful and thought-provoking, while others felt it was a bit out of place.
He said (via The Hollywood Reporter),
I do not feel elevated above any of my fellow nominees or anyone in this room because we share the same love, the love of film. And this form of expression has given me the most extraordinary life. I don’t know what I’d be without it. But I think the greatest gift that it’s given me, and many of us in this room, is the opportunity to use our voice for the voiceless.
Regardless of how one felt about his speech, there was no denying the brilliance of his performance. Joker was a film that redefined comic book movies, turning them into something raw, dark, and deeply psychological.
10. Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody (2019)
Rami Malek’s transformation into Freddie Mercury was nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication and attention to detail in capturing the Queen frontman’s flamboyant stage presence and deep personal struggles earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in 2019. This was a historic win, as Malek became the first actor of Egyptian descent to take home the award.
Despite the film facing several production challenges, including the departure of its original director, Malek’s performance was widely praised. His portrayal carried the movie, even when critics found faults elsewhere. Time magazine’s review summed it up best: while the film had its issues, Malek’s performance was electric, keeping audiences glued to the screen.
On the Oscars stage, Malek acknowledged how unexpected his win might have seemed to some. He expressed deep gratitude to the band Queen for trusting him to bring Mercury’s story to life, calling it a privilege to be part of their legacy. He further said (via The Hollywood Reporter),
I may not have been the obvious choice, but I guess it worked out. I think about what it would have been like to tell little bubba Rami that one day this might happen to him, and I think his curly-haired mind would have been blown. That kid was struggling with his identity.
He also reflected on his personal journey, speaking about his identity struggles as a child and how playing Mercury, a man who was unapologetically himself, resonated with him. Malek’s win wasn’t just a triumph for him—it was proof that Hollywood is opening up to more diverse and impactful stories.
9. Gary Oldman for Darkest Hour (2018)
Gary Oldman is no stranger to intense transformations, and his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour was yet another testament to his chameleon-like abilities. The film chronicled Churchill’s leadership during one of Britain’s most challenging times—World War II. With impeccable makeup, costume design, and an astounding performance, Oldman made the larger-than-life historical figure feel real and relatable.
Oldman’s win came after years of being recognized as one of the best actors of his generation but never securing the top honor. His performance outshone his formidable competitors, including Daniel Day-Lewis and Denzel Washington. The Academy finally acknowledged his immense talent, awarding him the Oscar he had long deserved.
During his speech, Oldman paid tribute to Churchill, calling him an inspiring presence throughout his journey of making the film. He said (via The Hollywood Reporter),
I would just like to salute Sir Winston Churchill, who has been marvelous company on what can be described as an incredible journey.
However, the most touching moment came when he turned his gratitude towards his mother, who was watching the ceremony from home at the age of 99. His heartfelt words, humor, and humility made the speech one of the night’s most memorable moments. With a warm message to his mother, he sealed his victory in true Oldman style—classy, emotional, and full of appreciation.
8. Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea (2017)
Casey Affleck’s performance in Manchester by the Sea was raw, intense, and deeply moving. The film told the story of a man struggling with immense grief, and Affleck delivered a restrained yet incredibly powerful performance that lingered with viewers long after the credits rolled. Critics, including those from The New York Times, hailed it as one of the most disciplined screen performances in recent years.
Affleck’s Oscar win placed him alongside his older brother, Ben Affleck, making them one of the few sibling pairs to have won Academy Awards. However, he made sure to acknowledge the people who guided him in his journey, particularly Denzel Washington, whom he credited as one of the first people to teach him about acting. He said (via Entertainment Weekly),
One of the first people who taught me how to act was Denzel Washington, and I just met him tonight. I’m only here really because of all the talents and good will of so many people that are impossible to name, but most of all, Kenneth Lonergan who made this part, and without this part and without his writing, I wouldn’t be here for sure. I wish I had something bigger and more meaningful to say, but I just look out at you, and I’m proud to be a part of this community. I’m just dumbfounded that I’m included.
Despite the momentous occasion, Affleck kept his speech simple and humble. He admitted that he didn’t have any grand words to share but expressed how honored he felt to be part of the acting community. While the speech lacked flashy theatrics, it was genuine and reflective of the understated brilliance of his performance.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant (2016)
Few Oscar wins have been as anticipated as Leonardo DiCaprio’s victory for The Revenant. After multiple nominations and years of memes about him never winning, the moment finally arrived in 2016. His role in The Revenant pushed him to his physical and mental limits. From enduring freezing temperatures to sleeping in animal carcasses, DiCaprio gave everything he had to the role.
Beyond the grueling shoot, what made his win even more significant was how he used his acceptance speech to highlight a cause close to his heart—climate change. Instead of solely celebrating his victory, he took the opportunity to remind the world of the urgent need to protect the planet. He said (via Variety),
Making ‘The Revenant’ was about man’s relationship to the natural world, the world that we collectively felt in 2015 as the hottest year in reported history — our production needed to move to the southern tip of this planet just to be able to find snow. Climate change is real. It is happening right now. It’s the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.
DiCaprio emphasized that during the filming of The Revenant, the production team had to travel to the southernmost parts of the world to find snow because of rising global temperatures. He urged people to support leaders who fight against environmental destruction rather than those who prioritize profits over the planet’s health. His speech was not just a moment of personal triumph but also a powerful call to action, making it one of the most impactful speeches in Oscar history.
6. Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything (2015)
Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything was nothing short of breathtaking. Taking on the role of the renowned physicist, who battled ALS while revolutionizing science, was an immense challenge. But Redmayne embraced it with unmatched dedication, capturing not just the physical effects of the disease but also Hawking’s brilliant mind and deep emotional world.
The moment Redmayne’s name was called as the Best Actor winner, his genuine excitement was palpable. His speech was a blend of overwhelming gratitude and pure joy. While many actors dedicate their wins to the film crew, directors, and family, Redmayne did something unique—he dedicated his Oscar to those battling ALS and the entire Hawking family. He said (via Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences),
This, this Oscar… wow! This Oscar, this belongs to all of those people around the world battling ALS. It belongs to one exceptional family: Stephen, Jane, Jonathan and the Hawking children. And I will be its custodian. And I will promise you I will look after him – I will polish him; I will answer his beck and call; I will wait on him hand and foot. But I would not be here were it not for an extraordinary troupe of people. My staggering partner in crime, Felicity Jones. My ferocious and yet incredibly kind director, James Marsh.
His promise to take care of his Oscar as if it were a living being added a lighthearted touch to the otherwise emotional speech. He thanked his co-star, Felicity Jones, as well as the film’s director, James Marsh, for their unwavering support. Finally, he saved the most heartfelt words for his wife, expressing his deep love and excitement for their future together.
5. Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club (2014)
Before Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey was already in the middle of what fans call the “McConaissance“—a complete career transformation from rom-com charmer to serious actor. But his portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a man diagnosed with HIV who takes matters into his own hands to access life-saving medicine, cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s finest. His dedication was evident in everything—from his drastic weight loss to the sheer intensity of his performance.
Despite delivering standout performances in Magic Mike and Killer Joe, McConaughey hadn’t been showered with awards recognition—until now. His role in Dallas Buyers Club turned that around, earning him his first-ever Oscar and critical acclaim across the board.
His acceptance speech? Classic McConaughey—thoughtful, philosophical, and a little out there. He shared a story about being asked who his hero was at 15, and after thinking it over, he decided his hero was himself… ten years into the future. And ten years later? His hero was still his future self.
He said in his speech (via Mamamia),
To my hero… when I was 15 years old, I had a very important person in my life come to me and say ‘who’s your hero?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, I gotta think about that. Give me a couple of weeks.’ I come back two weeks later, this person comes up and says ‘who’s your hero?’ I said, ‘I thought about it. You know who it is? It’s me in 10 years’.
He continued,
Ten years later, that same person comes to me and says, ‘So, are you a hero?’ And I was like, ‘not even close. No, no, no.’ She said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘Because my hero’s me at 35.’ So you see every day, every week, every month and every year of my life, my hero’s always 10 years away.
This unique perspective on personal growth left the audience divided—some found it inspiring, others thought it was a bit of a mind-bender. But he wrapped things up on a high note with his signature “Alright, alright, alright,” making his speech one of the most memorable moments in recent Oscar history.
4. Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln (2013)
When Daniel Day-Lewis takes on a role, he doesn’t just act—he becomes the character. His portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln was no exception. Known for his meticulous method acting, Day-Lewis spent months preparing for the role, and the result was a breathtaking performance that earned him his third Best Actor Oscar—making him the only actor to achieve this feat.
His win for Lincoln was not just another trophy on the shelf; it was a moment of history. After receiving the award from Meryl Streep, Day-Lewis delivered a speech filled with humility, humor, and appreciation for his peers. He even joked that Spielberg originally wanted Streep to play Lincoln, showcasing a rare playful side to the otherwise intensely private actor. He said in his speech (via Entertainment Weekly),
I really don’t know how any of this happened. I do know that I’ve received so much more than my fair share of good fortune in my life, and I’m so grateful to the Academy for this beautiful honor.
He acknowledged his good fortune in receiving such roles and thanked those who had shaped his journey. The speech was a masterclass in grace and gratitude, proving once again why he remains one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.
3. Jean Dujardin for The Artist (2012)
A French actor winning the Best Actor Oscar is a rare sight, and Jean Dujardin’s victory for The Artist made history. His role as George Valentin, a silent film star struggling with the arrival of talkies, was a nostalgic tribute to Hollywood’s golden age. With no spoken dialogue for most of the film, Dujardin relied entirely on expressions and body language—an incredibly challenging feat that he pulled off effortlessly.
His acceptance speech was as charming as his performance. He acknowledged Hollywood legends, paid tribute to Douglas Fairbanks, and gave a heartfelt shout-out to his family and colleagues. He began his speech by saying (via Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences),
Thank you. Ouais! I love your country. Okay. Thank you to the Academy. It’s funny because in 1929 it wasn’t Billy Crystal but Douglas Fairbanks who hosted the first Oscar ceremony. Tickets cost five dollars and it lasted fifteen minutes. Times have changed.
His excitement was contagious, and his closing words in French captured the raw emotion of the moment. For many, Dujardin’s win symbolized the beauty of silent films and proved that powerful storytelling transcends language.
2. Colin Firth for The King’s Speech (2011)
Colin Firth has always been known for his elegant and nuanced performances, but his role as King George VI in The King’s Speech elevated him to a whole new level. Playing a monarch struggling with a speech impediment, Firth brought a rare mix of vulnerability and strength to the screen, making his performance one of the most compelling of the decade. His Oscar win wasn’t just well-deserved—it was a recognition of his incredible ability to bring history to life with authenticity and grace.
His acceptance speech was a perfect blend of gratitude and classic British wit. With his signature charm, Firth joked about feeling an uncontrollable urge to break into a victory dance. He said (via Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences),
I have a feeling my career has just peaked. My deepest thanks to the Academy. I’m afraid I have to warn you that I’m experiencing stirrings, somewhere in the upper abdominals, which are threatening to form themselves into dance moves which, joyous as they may be for me, it would be extremely problematic if they make it to my legs before I get offstage. So I’m going to do my best to be brief with my gratitude.
He went on to thank his director, Tom Hooper, his co-stars, and most importantly, his wife, Livia, for her unwavering support. His speech was warm, personal, and effortlessly sophisticated—just like him. This win wasn’t just for The King’s Speech; it was a celebration of Firth’s remarkable journey in cinema, cementing his place as one of the finest actors of his generation.
1. Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart (2010)
Jeff Bridges had been a Hollywood favorite for decades, racking up multiple Oscar nominations but never taking home the trophy—until Crazy Heart changed everything. His role as Bad Blake, a struggling country singer battling addiction while searching for redemption, was raw, emotional, and impossible to ignore. It was the kind of performance that felt lived-in, making his Oscar win not just well-earned, but long overdue.
And when he finally stepped onto that stage, his speech was as heartfelt as his performance. Bridges kicked things off by honoring his parents, the ones who first introduced him to the magic of acting. He then poured his gratitude onto his Crazy Heart team, from director Scott Cooper to his incredible co-stars. But the most touching part? The love he showered on his wife and daughters. He said (via Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences),
I especially want to thank my gorgeous wife, Sue. We’ve been married thirty-three years. We have a beautiful family, three girls: Isabelle, Jessie and Hayley. Thank you, guys. I wouldn’t be up here without you. Thank you so much.
His speech wasn’t just a thank-you list—it was a moment of pure joy, reflecting the kind of warmth and sincerity that has made Bridges such a beloved figure in Hollywood. It was more than just an award—it was the recognition of a career filled with passion, talent, and a whole lot of heart.
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