Oscars 2017: Most memorable speeches of the Academy Awards

The world is gearing up for the 89th Academy Awards which will be aired in India on Monday morning live as it takes place in the States.

The list of nominations paved way for yet another glorious hope of victory for the Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone starrer 'La La Land'. The film is leading the race by competing in astounding 14 categories. Indian-origin actor Dev Patel has also been nominated for the film 'Lion' for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Meanwhile, two-time Oscar winner AR Rahman missed out on nominations in the Original Score category for the film 'Pele: Birth of a Legend.' The Oscars this year will be hosted by late night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Each year renowned celebs from all across the globe make remarkable speeches while receiving their golden statuette that becomes a talking point for days to come. For the past 89 years, Academy Awards have featured a host of speeches and moments that made us laugh or cry along with the winner. Here's taking a walk down the memory lane to look at some of the most memorable Oscars speeches that continue to inspire us till now.

Halle Berry became the first ever actress of African-American descent to secure a win for Best Actress in a Leading role. “This moment is so much bigger than me. This is for every nameless, faceless woman of colour that now has a chance because this door has opened.”

In a midst of tears and emotion, Halle Berry gave a stirring speech at the historic moment for her role in the movie- ‘Monsters Ball’ as she became the first African-American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

The two time Oscar winner, Tom Hanks accepted his second Best Actor award in a row for 'Forrest Gump', having won previously for the film 'Philadelphia'. In a truly memorable speech, the actor poured his heart out while thanking his wife who proudly proclaimed, “she demonstrates for me every day just what love is”.

The much-awaited win of 'Titanic' star Leonardo DiCaprio last year came as a sigh of relief for all his fans. After numerous Oscar Nominations, the actor finally clinched the award for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film 'The Revenant'. The audience, that also included his earlier co-star Kate Winslet, broke out into a standing ovation followed by a truly beautiful speech by the actor as he thanked his family and friends. “For our children’s children, and for those people out there whose voices have been drowned out by the politics of greed. I thank you all for this amazing award tonight. Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted. Thank you so very much.”

A role that showcased a whole new side to the late comedian, Robin Williams, 'Good Will Hunting' will always go down in history for the star’s breath-taking character narration and his relationship with Matt Damon in the film. The comedian won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1998 and was completely surprised. “This might be the one time I am speechless”, which till today is a truly memorable moment. While many expected a speech full of impressions from the bouncing comedian, Robin Williams was gracious and almost out of breath. The actor thanked the 'Good Will Hunting' cast and shared an anecdote about his father who had once said he should make sure he has a “backup profession like welding”.

The name Roberto Benigni became infamous in 1999 after his film 'Life is Beautiful' won an Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film. The actor after hearing the film winning an Oscar was so overwhelmed that he climbed over the seats at the theatre and skipped onto the stage. The enthusiastic director was over joyous and even told presenter, veteran actress Sophia Loren “I lift this trophy but I want you. I want to be rocked by the waves of your beauty.“ What followed was certainly more laughter as the Italian director gave his thanks to everyone and even cracked jokes about his parents saying “They gave me the biggest gift of poverty.”

Matthew McConaughey won his first ever Oscar for Best Actor in a lead role for the film 'Dallas Buyers Club', a role that will truly be unforgettable. The speech featured his classic 'Alright, alright, alright' and is a rare speech that made you laugh, cry and be inspired. With a combination of passion and humour, McConaughey shared about the role, his faith and family who have inspired him. By ending his speech with his signature "Alright, alright, alright," which won the crowd completely.