Oscar Acceptance Speech

OSCAR ACCEPTANCE SPEECH FOR BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: “FOLLOWING THE SONG"

“Oh my God! I can’t believe it! Did he really just read out MY name? Me? Little old Shelley Falconer from Nowhere-ville, New Zealand? I must be dreaming! There are so many people I need to thank. Damn, I should have written a list. I just never believed in a million years I would win! Okay, firstly I want to thank the director, George Albion. George, you are a visionary and managed to perfectly interpret what I had written and bring it to life. Following the Song would never have been made if not for you and your vision. I would also like to thank the actors. You guys did an amazing job. All of you. But especially you, Maggie G. You deserve every accolade you’ve received and more! Everyone at Summit Pictures who financed this little movie. You rule my world. You took a chance on something that was a huge risk, and I thank you for it. Looks like that huge risk payed off!

I want to thank Angus and Jan, the two greatest teachers anyone could ever have. I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without your encouragement and support. I just wish I’d had the confidence in myself then to believe it when you told me I had talent. I guess it just takes some of us longer than others…

I would like to thank my Dad. Dad, you never had any faith in me. You always told me I would be a failure and that I would never amount to anything. So look at your failure now! And Mom, you always backed him up. You never told me I was good at anything, never believed I had any talent or skills. You encouraged me to get married as if that was career option!

And my sister Jessie. I owe you the biggest thanks of all. For sleeping with my husband and convincing him that I was an unfit mother to my boys. If you hadn’t taken off with my family, I would never have had the time or the passion to write this film. It is truly amazing what anger and grief can wring out of a person. I am testament to that. So thank you Jessie. You probably thought you were ruining my life and you seemed so damned happy about it! But look at me here, Jess! I’m the one with the golden statue in my hand. What do you have in your hand? Danny’s dirty diaper? My husband’s dick?

Oh! I’m running out of time. They just don’t give you long enough do they? Um, thank you to Johnny. You are my heart and soul. I love you. You saved my life for a while back there. I owe you. And remember that I’ll be there for you when it’s your turn to fall apart. And to my boys. Oliver, Daniel, Mommy loves you. Don’t listen to a word that old witch tells you….”