Best Song Oscar Acceptance Speech

Guide Note: "Falling Slowly," the showcase song from the film Once, won the Best Song Oscar at the 2008 Academy Awards. Writer Glen Hansard made an acceptance speech, then his partner Marketa Irglova went to give a speech as well, but was cut off by Producers ready to go to commercials. When the commercial break was over, host Jon Stewart brought her back on stage to finish her speech.

Fast Facts:

1. Telecast: 80th Annual Academy Awards (2008)
2. Oscar: Best Song
3. Winner: Once for "Falling Slowly"; Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
4. Presenter: John Travolta
5. Beat out:
   1. Enchanted for "So Close" Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
   2. Enchanted for "That's How You Know" Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
   3. Enchanted for "Happy Working Song" Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
   4. August Rush for "Raise It Up" by Jamal Joseph, Charles Mack and Tevin Thomas

Best Song Oscar Acceptance Speech

• Glen Hansard:
  • Thanks! This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad. We made this film two years ago. We shot on two Handycams. 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.
• Marketa Irglova:
  • 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.