Watch 13 of the Most Inspiring Oscar Speeches Ever

2 minute read

The 88th Academy Awards will surely bring a handful of heartfelt speeches that go beyond simply thanking the Academy. From an adorable and young Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to the moving honesty of Lupita Nyong’o, see some of the most incredible Oscar speeches from years past.

Anna Paquin, 1994, Best Supporting Actress for The Piano

Tom Hanks, 1994, Best Actor for Philadelphia

Cuba Gooding Jr., 1997, Best Supporting Actor for Jerry Maguire

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, 1998, Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting

Robin Williams, 1998, Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting

Gwyneth Paltrow, 1999, Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love

Roberto Benigni, 1999, Best Actor for Life Is Beautiful

Halle Berry, 2002, Best Actress for Monster’s Ball

Philip Seymour Hoffman, 2006, Best Actor for Capote

Jennifer Hudson, 2007, Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls

Octavia Spencer, 2012, Best Supporting Actress for The Help

Lupita Nyong’o, 2014, Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave

Graham Moore, 2015, Best Adapted Screenplay for The Imitation Game

 

 

 

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com