“When we started out, we had no stars, we had no power or muscle, we didn’t have enough money really to do what we wanted to do. But what we had was a script that inspired mad love in everyone who read it. ... Most of all, we had passion and we had belief and our film shows that if you have those two things, truly anything is possible.” — Producer Christian Colson after “Slumdog Millionaire” won the best picture Oscar.
“You commie homo-loving sons of guns. I did not expect this, and I want it to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me, often, but I am touched by the appreciation.” — Sean Penn, accepting the best actor Oscar for his role in “Milk.”
“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would have been a shampoo bottle. Well, it’s not a shampoo bottle now.” — Kate Winslet, holding the Oscar she won as best actress in “The Reader.”
“My kids are too old to remember this now, but when they were much younger, I swore to them that if this miracle ever happened that I would receive it as the character of Tigger from ‘Winnie-the-Pooh.’”— Danny Boyle, jumping up and down, after winning the best director Academy Award for “Slumdog Millionaire.”
“This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath’s quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here — his peers in an industry he so loved.” — Heath Ledger’s father, Kim Ledger, accepting the award for best supporting actor on behalf of his son.
“This award touches my heart and the very depth of my soul because of who the award is from and those who will benefit. The humility I feel is staggering, and I know it will stay with me for the rest of my life.” — Jerry Lewis, while accepting an Oscar for humanitarian work.
“When I was 13 years old my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas, to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk and it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. — Dustin Black, accepting best original screenplay Oscar.
“It’s not going to be 45 seconds, I can say that right now. Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one.” — Penelope Cruz, accepting the best supporting actress award.
“Fifteen career Oscar nominations. That’s a record. I hate to say it but when someone puts up numbers like that, it’s just hard not to think steroids.” — Host Hugh Jackman to Meryl Streep during the opening of the show.
“There are certain places in the universe you never imagine standing. For me, it’s the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium and here.” — Simon Beaufoy on-stage after winning best adapted screenplay for “Slumdog Millionaire.”
“Now listen, I want you to relax tonight. I want you to say whatever is on your mind because you know we have a seven-second delay, but if you win, we switch to a 20-minute delay.” — Host Hugh Jackman to Mickey Rourke during the opening of the show.