Oscar Winners Give Thanks to Families, Friends, ‘Lucky Stars’

I wish to thank the Academy, my producer, my director, my mom, my sister, my agent. The usual list of thank yous gushed during the Oscars telecast under the 45-second time limit.

But Jessica Tandy chose a more serendipitous, less earthy thing to thank. “I thank my lucky stars,” she said as she took the Oscar for best actress for her performance in “Driving Miss Daisy.” She added: “I never expected in a million years that I would be in this position. It’s a miracle.”

Others, liked Denzel Washington, thanked a more traditional deity. “I want to thank God,” said Washington as he received the award for best supporting actor for his role of a runaway slave who joins the first black regiment of the American Civil War in the film “Glory.” He also thanked God for the opportunity to say thank you. “Thank God I get to use this,” Washington said as he pulled out his acceptance speech from his tuxedo jacket.

Washington did not only acknowledge divine inspiration; he acknowledged the inspiration he received from the story behind his role. “I’d like to thank the black soldiers who helped make this country free,” he declared.

Oliver Stone, best director winner for “Born on the Fourth of July,” also gave thanks to a soldier, and an inspiration. “I wish to thank Ron Kovic and Tom Cruise for making Ron’s dream come true,” he said. His gave more universal thanks, thanking the public at large for its continued interest in the Vietnam War. “My deepest thanks for your acknowledging that Vietnam is not over.”

Brenda Fricker too acknowledged the person who made the story of “My Left Foot” possible. “I don’t believe this,” exclaimed Fricker as she received her award for best supporting actress for the film. “I want to thank Christy Brown, just for being alive, and to his mother, Mrs. Brown. Anybody who gives birth 22 times deserves one,” she said, referring to the Oscar.