AWARDS
Once Actress Markéta Irglová's Wonderful Oscar Acceptance Speech
by Alex Billington
February 24, 2008
During the Oscars I was truly moved by seeing host Jon Stewert bring Markéta Irglová back out after she had been ushered off before giving her acceptance speech. Markéta and Glen Hansard won the Oscar for Original Song for "Falling Slowly" from Once, the one and only category that the film was nominated in, and although Glen gave his speech, Markéta was ushered off stage before she could even begin to say anything. Thankfully Stewart brought her back after the commercial break and she delivered her unforgettable speech. Not only did the song (and film) certainly deserve the award, but it was a great relief to see it win, especially with Enchanted nominated three times in the same category. Her speech that she did end up giving was truly incredible and it is with great pleasure that I share it with all of you below.
Here is what Markéta Irglová said:
"Hi everyone. I just want to thank you so much. This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. And so thank you so much, who helped us along the way. Thank you."
Although she's supposedly a very shy person, Markéta did a great job and gave a very powerful speech. And to compliment this, her counterpart in "Falling Slowly", Glen Hansard, also gave a great acceptance speech before her. I'll include that below just as to give both of them the extra appreciation they deserve.
"Thanks! This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad. We made this film two years ago. We shot on two Handicams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand. We never thought we would come into a room like this and be in front of you people. It's been an amazing thing. Thanks for taking this film seriously, all of you. It means a lot to us. Thanks to the Academy, thanks to all the people who've helped us, they know who they are, we don't need to say them. This is amazing. Make art. Make art. Thanks."
And now you can actually watch both of their speeches again thanks to the joys of YouTube!
Each and every year there is always at least one truly touching acceptance speech. This year it was Markéta, as she truly gave a speech I won't soon forget. To refresh your memory, last year's great speech was from Forest Whitaker - you can read and watch it here. There are always funny speeches, always humble speeches, always overly-emotional speeches, but the ones I love best are those that are full of heart and passion. Until the Oscars arrive next year… I'll be listen to "Falling Slowly" over and over.
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24 Comments
1
Thank you so much for posting this article and for the link to the video clip. I have been sitting in front of my computer for 2.5 hours now, patiently trying to find the video for both acceptance speeches--they truly were the highlight of the night for me. Glen Hansard's reaction was awesome, and both speeches ooze sincerity. You are right: speeches like these are what makes watching the Oscars totally worth it! I have loved the movie, "Once", since first seeing it at the beginning of the year. I am so glad they won. Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!
Denise on Feb 25, 2008
2
The best moment of the night.
Zach D. on Feb 25, 2008
3
thanks for posting this! the biggest surprise in early 2008!
muddy on Feb 25, 2008
4
When Jon Stewart first invited her back to the stage, my friends and I all gave a collective "Hey!" in protest... why don't the other unfortunate folks who get cut off by the music get second chances?? ...but then she gave that great, sweet, heartfelt speech, and it was clearly a worthwhile gesture. On a related note... did it not seem that speeches were getting cut short even more quickly this year? I think there's a good chance I'm imagining it, but it doesn't change the fact that there was a ridiculous amount of time given to retrospectives and other random montages. Time that could have been better spent letting these people say their thanks. By the way, Alex... had a great time with you and the other guys this weekend. Looking forward to doing it again at Comic-Con.
Great White Snark on Feb 25, 2008
5
Best Song was the one category last night that had caused a rift in our house last night. My wife was pulling for Enchanted, but I really wanted to see "Falling Slowly" walk away with the Oscar. Once was easily my favorite movie last year and to deny such a great film recognition - ESPECIALLY when the music played such a huge role in it - would have been a slap in the face. While Enchanted has it's charms, it's a big, bloated Disney movie. They don't need the accolades. Once is the little movie that could. A wonderful, authentic film that everyone needs to see. It was wonderful to see Glen and Markéta get their just desserts and I agree they gave the best speeches of the night. MAKE ART!
Tom Brazelton on Feb 25, 2008
6
I wanted to watch the Oscars because I like Jon Stewart. But hey, the speeches were awesome. Didn't expect much from not-really-mainstream musicians, but they really rocked. Another Oscar success for Czechs. Yay!
The Czech Daily Word on Feb 25, 2008
7
Great words. He looks a bit like John Lithgow. Scary, But a cool dude
Mark on Feb 25, 2008
8
We saw this movie at a dingy movie house in Moreno Valley; there were less than a half-dozen in the audience. But we enjoyed this refreshing movie so much, we bought four DVD's and four CD's for our three daughters (all in their 40's), and one set for ourselves, for Christmas. We were never, ever so thrilled with the Oscars as when "Once" won all the accolades, plus both the speeches by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. All the songs in the sound track are great, and mostly written and performed by Glen and Marketa. This movie was a sleeper and a must see. In today's world, it brings a real sense of joy. Tom and Bonnie Yucaipa, CA
Tom ans Bonnie on Feb 25, 2008
9
What an incredible and refreshing story! Every song on this movie should be a hit! It was wonderful that Marketa was brought back to give her talk! Everyone should go to their MY Space :http://www.myspace.com/oncethemovie and read their tale!
mystiker on Feb 25, 2008
10
Kudos on being right on the money! I am shocked and dismayed by the lack of attention her speech has received in major US news outlets and I hope that the entertainment industry at least took notice and helps to propel this young woman's career to dizzying heights!
Malcolm on Feb 25, 2008
11
Ms. Irglová has always seemed like a little sister to me, and I wonder if that's what happened to John Stewart. I love the part where Stewart says "That guy is so arrogant." I've always felt that people at the Oscars are pretty sincere, and any arrogance comes from the industry tone, not from the person (not always, but mostly). These two talented outsiders (musicians first) added a touch of reality to the whole thing. These are all people who have dreams, and after a great deal of hard work, get to make them happen. I hope to meet these two some day....
Tim Moore on Feb 25, 2008
12
My husband and I saw this film yesterday before the Oscars, and we complete loved. We loved the Irish humor, we loved the new refreshing sound of music. Now one question…where can we buy the cd, and what the title of it.
Antonina D'Anna on Feb 25, 2008
14
if you liked the film and the music you should check out both "the frames" which is hansards band and "the swell season" hansard & irglova. amazing beautiful passionate music.
patrick on Feb 25, 2008
15
My lucky husband and I saw Glen and Marketa at a packed Vic Theater in Chicago at the end of November, and then followed with a concert at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue a few days later. They took time to talk to a long line of people, showing a remarkable sincerity that totally catches you. Seeing them win last night was the most exciting event we have experienced in a long time (and we are 66)! I think I will frame our pictures with them! Peggy & Denis
Margaret Miners on Feb 25, 2008
16
Thank Stewart for bringing her back to the stage... the ceremony wouldn't have been the same without her speech... thank you so much!!!
marieta on Feb 25, 2008
17
I am very happy that they won! Truly deserving. I posted a review of Glen and Marketa's concert in Portland, a Once movie review and also a bit about last night on my blog. You’ll just have to scroll down on the right side and click on the “Glen Hansard” label to find all of it. http://isorski.blogspot.com/
Isorski on Feb 25, 2008
18
I was really touched by the speech of this beautiful and talented young lady. In the age of 19, I look up to her strong personality and power that makes her dreams come true...and happy that she comes from Bohemia 😉
Alena on Feb 26, 2008
19
I don't know you But I want you All the more for that Words fall through me And always fool me And I can't react And games that never amount To more than they're meant Will play themselves out Take this sinking boat and point it home We've still got time Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice You've made it now Falling slowly, eyes that know me And I can't go back Moods that take me and erase me And I'm painted black You have suffered enough And warred with yourself It's time that you won Take this sinking boat and point it home We've still got time Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice You've made it now Take this sinking boat and point it home We've still got time Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice You've made it now Falling slowly sing your melody I'll sing along these words deserve more than Oscar,, and I didnt know that u shoot the film with two handy cam so they are both gorgeous people I just love them
MO on Feb 28, 2008
20
Its impossible to get this clip of the acceptance speech anywhere now. Why oh why did the Oscars make people, you tube etc take it down??? Defeats the whole purpose..The Man strikes again
Dave on Feb 29, 2008
21
Awesome movie, great songs, and a terrific story. This is why I love movies and why I listen to music. Make Art!
WeSeed Entertainment Editor on Feb 29, 2008
22
Yeh, shame I missed the oscars & their acceptance speech, wish I'd seen it. We saw the movie last year (after my 80 y.o. Mum saw a review of the movie on tv & Glen singing 'Leave' - wow, what a great voice she said). After the movie, I rushed out & bought the soundtrack.....& still play it everyday. Then bought the other CD's (love set list). We were all so thrilled they won the Oscar, it almost felt like they were family & we all cheered when we heard they'd won. Marketa has the purest voice, Glen's singing's so full of emotion, they're a match made in heaven. There's a bright future for both of them, even bigger things, I just know it.
Kit on Mar 1, 2008
24
and the vid can't be seen because of a 'copyright claim'. For an acceptance speech?! what the hell purpose does that serve. Says it all, really.
Daniel on Dec 30, 2008
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