Oscar Voices

“We’re very proud of the picture, but I’ve had a sinking feeling all night right up to here. . . . I know Gil Cates is starting to sweat back there . . . go ahead with it? Sure. I’d like to thank everybody here tonight for looking so good.”

Jack Nicholson

Picking up his third Oscar, for “As Good as It Gets,” 10 minutes before the show was supposed to end

*

“This is for the survivors of the Holocaust who walked away from the ashes, rebuilt their lives and helped create the state of Israel. God bless them.”

Rabbi Marvin Hier

Co-producer, best feature documentary, “The Long Way Home”

*

“I just said to Matt, ‘Losing would suck and winning would be really scary.’ And it is really, really scary.”

Ben Affleck

Accepting the best original screenplay Oscar for “Good Will Hunting” with friend and co-writer Matt Damon

*

“Matt Damon must feel like he’s playing on the seniors tour.”

Billy Crystal

Commenting on best actor nominees

*

“We’re running so late this is becoming sort of a Depends moment for me.”

Russell Carpenter

Winner of cinematography Oscar for “Titanic”

*

“It opens next Friday. I’m not going to advertise it. But I’m just going to tell you that it has, like, damn stunning subtitles.”

Mike van Diem

Director of “Character,” best foreign film, from the Netherlands

*

“My sons relentlessly play with action figures at home and I’m constantly left out. Not anymore. I’m taking this home.”

Brian Helgeland

Co-writer of the best adapted screenplay, “L.A. Confidential”

*

“I don’t know about you, but I’m having a really great time. Every director who ever stood here had his cast to thank. . . . You gave me pure gold every day, and I share this gold with you. . . . Mom, Dad, there’s no way I can express to you what I’m feeling right now. My heart is full to bursting, except to say: I’m the king of the world!”

James Cameron

Co-producer, “Titanic”