And the Oscar goes to.... Inspiration!

So, last night was the 86th Academy Awards and all the star were out. Some new, some vets and some legends in the biz. Ellen DeGeneres was the host and she kept it clean and light hearted. I think it was one of the best shows to date. While watching though there was an underline feeling of inspiration. The winners and the speeches all had that theme of "chase your dreams" "put in the work, and enjoy the rewards". Even those who did not receive awards seemed to be very humble and genuinely happy for those who did. Of course, this is speculation and base on the camera pan to those who did not grace the stage but still it's my point of view.  

 

I love how Jarred Leto's acceptance speech paid homage to how hard his mother worked to provide for him and his brother and what an inspiration she was to them. 1 He described her as a high school dropout and single mom who “somehow managed to make a better life for herself and her children,” and encouraged them to “be creative and work hard and do something special.” This I believe set the tone of the night, that and the fact that a few stars were accompanied by their mothers as their "dates".  Jarred won best supporting actor for the film "Dallas Buyers Club".

On to first time winner Lupita Nyong'o, she won for supporting actress in "12 Years a Slave". In her speech she said "It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s." Referring to the story of the character she portrayed in the movie. I think best inspiring quote of the night came from Steve McQueen the director (and Oscar winner) of "12 Years a Slave".. "Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live."

Also, from the winners of best actress and best actor we hear again messages of inspiration. Cate Blanchett, while tipping a hat to each of her fellow nominees, pointed out that Dame Judi Dench (79) missed the awards due to filming a movie sequel, she mentioned how inspired she was by Judi to still be in the biz. Also, in her speech she mentioned that 2while there are still some people in the film business "who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films with women at the center are niche experiences. They are not. Audiences want to see them, and in fact, they earn money." This is so true, in a day and age where there are limited female role models on the small screen we need stories and strong women to "represent" on the big screen.

Finally, last night my man Matthew McConaughey won for best actor. I already love how down to earth he is, however he left me wondering about his speech, he thanked himself for "being someone to chase" as part of the 3 things that keep him going. First one being "Something to look up to", second "Something to look froward to". Matthew is always chasing his future self (by 10 years) it's an ideal he will never reach which keeps the drive going. Let's break this down we all have role models, people we strive to be like. But how interesting would it be if we started to strive to be the person we think we will be in 10 years. Be our own inspiration, that takes a ton of self acceptance and confidence. That to me is inspiring!
Side note I love how he thanked his dearly departed Father... Big pot of Gumbo, lemon meringue pie, underwear and beer...

Inspiration is everywhere, in stories, nature, art, music, self, it's all around us. Become inspired and be an inspiration...



1: Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/oscars/jared-leto-thanks-mother-oscar-speech-article-1.1708435#ixzz2uus8Cibi

2: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/03/us-oscars-bestactress-idUSBREA2208320140303