Two Academy Award speeches made me cry.
First, Jared Leto and his moving tribute to his mother and really a tribute to all of us single moms who have raised beautiful, successful children.
Second, it was Lupita Nyong’o’s amazing speech that reminds us that whatever we believe, we can achieve. This is a message that we lose in all the negativity that we see and hear every day about our community and our children. It was a reminder to me as a little girl watching the Academy Awards and thinking I wanted to be there as a winner one day. It also reminded me of wanting to win the Pulitzer Prize for writing. I had so many dreams that I didn’t pursue with passion, didn’t make a reality. Fortunately, I don’t believe it’s ever too late or you’re ever too old to achieve your dreams.
What I have acheived is the result of my passion. Sometimes God has different plans for you.
Read Lupita’s speech here:
Thank you to the Academy for this incredible recognition. It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s. And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance. And for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own. Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position. This has been the joy of my life. I’m certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they are grateful and so am I.
Chiwetel, thank you for your fearlessness and how deeply you went into telling Solomon’s story. Michael Fassbender, thank you so much. You were my rock. Alfre and Sarah, it was a thrill to work with you. Joe Walker, the invisible performer in the editing room, thank you. Sean Bobbitt, Kalaadevi, Adruitha, Patty Norris, thank you, thank you, thank you, I could not be here without your work.
I want to thank my family for your training and the Yale School of Drama as well for your training. My friends, the Wilsons, this one’s for you. My brother, Junior, sitting by my side. Thank you so much. You are my best friend. And Ben, my other best friend, my chosen family.
When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from your dreams are valid.
Thank you.
