Anyone who makes routine of watching award shows quickly realizes that there are two types of acceptance speeches. The first type are expressions of emotion or feeling, perhaps telling the story of their trip to the stage and how much the experience has meant to them. The rest are a banal list of "thank yous" to people that we have never met, nor will we ever meet. When the news comes on the next day and recounts the highlights of the night, it is always the first type that gets recognition. Why is this? Because "thank you" speeches are fucking boring. Thankfully, this years Oscar organizers are doing something about it.
According to Reuters, nominees for this year's Academy Award ceremonies are being asked by co-producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman to write two speeches, one of each kind seen above. While the first speech will be delivered on television, there will be a special "Thank You Cam" backstage, where winners can profess their love for their families and co-workers. The video from the "Thank You Cam" would then be made available online for the winners to share with anyone they choose.
If there is a single negative thing about this story, it is that they're not making it mandatory. It is understandable that you want to thank your spouse for giving you emotional strength, but when you start thanking the caterers for the wonderful buffet that was presented on-set each day, it is time for a change. I never thought I would say this about a man responsible for The Pacifier, Cheaper By The Dozen 2, or Bringing Down The House, but Mr. Shankman, you may have just done something helpful to the film industry.
