And the award for best speech goes to...

While not marketing related, I was so impressed--and impressed upon--by Forest Whitaker's Best Actor acceptance speech that I wanted to share. Listen to how he hits on what his reality was, what his new reality is, how it IS possible and his strong need to connect (on my collage survey "connection" was my #1 reason for blogging so the speech especially resonated with me).

RSS readers go here. It's right at 3 minutes. The video is below and the full text of the speech is directly beneath that. Enjoy....

“Thank you. Thank you. Just a second, just a second. OK. Take it. OK. I wrote something down, because I thought if it would happen that I would be a little overwhelmed and I am. So, OK.

When I was a kid, the only way that I saw movies was from the backseat of my family's car. At the drive-in. And, it wasn't my reality to think I would be acting in movies, so receiving this honor tonight tells me that it's possible. It is possible for a kid from east Texas, raised in South Central L.A. in Carson, who believes in his dreams, commits himself to them with his heart, to touch them, and to have them happen.

Because when I first started acting, it was because of my desire to connect to everyone. To that thing inside each of us. That light that I believe exists in all of us. Because acting for me is about believing in that connection and it's a connection so strong, it's a connection so deep, that we feel it. And through our combined belief, we can create a new reality.

So I want to thank my fellow believers in The Last King of Scotland. I want to thank Peter, Jeremy, Andrea, Lisa, Charles, Kevin, James McAvoy, Kerry, Stephen, Fox, DNA, Channel Four. I want to thank the people of Uganda, who helped this film have a spirit. And finally, I want to thank my mom and my dad. I want to thank my wife Keisha, my children, my ancestors, who continue to guide my steps. And God, God who believes in us all. And who's given me this moment, in this lifetime, that I will hopefully carry to the end of my lifetime into the next lifetime. Thank you.”

Comments

[Tim Jackson]

Wow. I had no idea- didn't watch and haven't read anything else yet.

He has been one of my favorite actors for years. This just reminds me why.

[Cam Beck]

I didn't know he is from Texas.

[Red]

I'm so glad you stepped a little outside the marketing realm to honor Forest.

Thanks. I featured it here: http://www.reds-world.com/blog/2007/02/and_the_winner_.html

[Robert Anton]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video I posted of Forest Whitaker. He definitely hit a chord with me with that speech. I think he has definitely connected in a big way.

[CK]

A BIG thanks to you Robert. I was so very pleased to find the video so I could keep sharing it. It inspires and heartens me greatly ;-).