The best BAFTA acceptance speeches, from Emma Stone’s homage to her mother to Robert Downey Jr.’s life story in 15 seconds

The world’s top motion pictures were honored on the night of the BAFTAs. Hollywood celebrities took to the skies to attend the 77th British Academy Film Awards, which honored several categories including Best Film, Best Director, Leading Actor, and Actress. As they received their prizes, the winners—Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, and Emma Stone—gave moving remarks.

Emma Stone
After starring in The Favourite, Emma’s second film with Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things, earned her the Best Actress prize. Emma was being her usual hilarious self as she accepted the award from Idris Elba. “I was playing a British person in this movie and [Neil Swain] did not laugh at me when he taught me how to say ‘wart-ter,’ even though as an American I say ‘wahter,'” Stone joked. She started by praising her dialect coach for all the assistance on the film. “I am so grateful to England for welcoming me.”

The star was careful to acknowledge her mother as well. “Because she’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met and she motivates me every day.” I’m really appreciative to her for constantly giving me the ridiculous notion that I could pull off anything like this. Nothing here would exist, not even my existence, without her! Thus, mom, thank you also for that!

Jr. Robert Downey
Robert Downey Jr. provided a low point of his career when he accepted the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. “At fifteen, my dream was to become Peter O’Toole. I worked for Anthony Hopkins and Richard Attenborough when I was twenty-five. At the age of 35, Downey Jr. finally saw why Dickie believed Tony would be a better role model for him than Peter. “I learned how to produce large Hollywood pictures with a genteel British flair when I worked on two projects with Guy Ritchie when I was forty-two years old. After that, I spent around 12 years in the MCU as a man named Tony.

“And then recently, that dude Chris Nolan suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to perhaps resurrect my dwindling credibility,” he remarked, referring to filmmaker Christopher Nolan. It has been a remarkable year, therefore, I share this with the other candidates.

Murphy Cillian
For his performance in Oppenheimer as J Robert Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy was awarded Best Actor. He expressed gratitude to Donna Langley, the head of Universal Pictures, Emma Thomas, and Christopher Nolan. “I would like to thank my fellow nominees, my Oppenhomies, and actually all of you in this room,” he said. I really am in awe of you, even though I know that’s cliche.

Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan, who won Best Director for Oppenheimer, thanked everyone who had fought so hard to prevent nuclear war in his acceptance speech. He emphasized the need to honor “individuals and organizations who have fought long and hard to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world,” even if Oppenheimer’s last remarks struck a “dramatically necessary note of despair.”

“By accepting this, I just want to acknowledge their efforts and emphasize that they demonstrate the potential and necessity of peace efforts,” he said.

Da’Vine Randolph Joy

Da ‘Vine Joy Randolph, the recipient of Best Supporting Actress, spoke aloud from a prepared statement expressing her gratitude for the possibilities bestowed upon her. “I was aware that Mary was a far more powerful figure than myself. She demonstrates to us all the power of putting aside differences and the healing power of a simple act of empathy. With The Holdovers, she took home the prize.

“There have been countless Marys throughout history who have never got the chance to dress beautifully and stand on this stage here in London,” she said, crying. I take great responsibility in sharing her story and receiving this award serves as a lovely reminder of the impact her tale has had on others all across the globe.