Behind The Oscars’ Most Talked-About Acceptance Speech

There is something very genuine about Graham Moore (The Imitation Game’s screenwriter who won an Oscar on Sunday for Best Adapted Screenplay) and I noticed that earlier on Sunday, while other nominees were busy showing their preparations for the big day on social media– Graham just shared a cute “complaint” about his Jewish mom.

Have received 3 texts from my mom so far today. All of them have been about food. #JewishMothers

— Graham Moore (@MrGrahamMoore) February 22, 2015

Little did I know that his mom was formerly the City of Chicago’s chief lawyer and First Lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff, but anyway, I’m pretty sure his mom was happy to see him winning an Oscar – and you wouldn’t be surprised if I told you that his mom was also his date on the big night. As Moore’s name was announced, he awkwardly made his way up to the stage and gave a speech that started out a little hesitantly, but turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the night.

“When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different, and I felt like I did not belong,” the Chicago-born screenwriter said, “and now I’m standing here.”

“So I would like this moment,” he continued, “to be for this kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. I promise you do. Stay weird, stay different and then, when it’s your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person who comes along.”