Regina Flanigan

Whether you watched the Academy Awards on Sunday or just looked at what everyone wore online the next day, many of us would raise a timid hand when asked if we ever practiced an acceptance speech in the mirror while grasping your shampoo Oscar. I’m not ashamed to admit that when I was acting in high school and thought for half a second I might actually be at the Kodak Theater (now sadly the Hollywood & Highland Center), I went through at least four drafts. I watched the Awards on Sunday night and while I’m happy for all the winners, their acceptance speeches always seem so formulaic. Thank you agent, thank you director, thank you Academy! 

Sometimes the winners make it interesting by flying off the handle like Angelina Jolie in 2000 or Michael Moore in 2003, but for the most part moving acceptance speeches are few and far in between. The best ones (Tom Hanks for Philadelphia, Julia Roberts for Erin Brockovich, Halle Berry for Monsters Ball) have qualities that are applicable to every Collegiette’s day-to-day life. 

Don’t under or over prepare. Simple in theory, difficult in execution and inspiring when pulled off. Under-preparing shows lack of dedication while over-preparing can come off as arrogant or unnerving. Have a plan, but leave room for adjustment . Accepting defeat gracefully falls under this category. No one practices their “I’m so happy for the winner!” face, but four out of five nominees have to use it.