Memorable Oscar® acceptance speech
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- Опубліковано 18 лют 2008
- Memorable Oscar acceptance speech by Gerda Weissmann Klein, Holocaust Survivor and subject of Best Documentary Short Subject "One Survivor Remembers" - 68th Annual Academy Awards®.
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Hello Everyone -- I am Gerda Klein's son and just came across this amazing thread of comments....some from 14 years ago and others within the past few months since my Mom passed away. It has always been so meaningful to our family to learn what an inspiration she was to so many people. How many told her that she changed -- in some cases "saved" -- their lives. "Thank you" is inadequate to express my appreciation for your messages. The film's producer, Kary Antholis, was so gracious to bring Mom to the stage with him and immediately hand the Oscar to her. Several of you commented about the music and how the hostess tried to shoo her off stage. That of course is what is usually done, and was understandable. But we later learned from the director of the show that as he saw Mom approach the microphone he (from the control room) directed the folks standing in the wings to let her speak and, in fact, directed the camera to zoom in on her. So there were so many people -- the film's producer who won the Oscar and the telecast's director -- who made those special moments possible. Thank you all again!
I came here again, as I do from time to time, when I need to hear your mother’s words of encouragement and reminders to appreciate our lives and freedom. With sadness I read that your mother has passed but I am glad to have the opportunity to tell you how profoundly she has impacted my life by her words. Please share this with your family too, her suffering was not in vain, but reached beyond time and space to teach and to inspire.
Mrs. Gerda Klein is/was truly an inspiration to those who knew her and had heard of her story. For what she had been through, her life is a life well lived. I loved the story of how she met her husband. In my opinion, he was her “knight in shining armor”, one that many of us have dreamed of as young girls.
Tremendous words. You're mother's life had real meaning.
Thank God she got to speak.
I've listened to your mother's story many of times.... Her heart and soul will never be forgotten
I have NEVER forgotten this speech. Every so often I recall it. "In my mind's eye I see those years and days, *and those who never lived to see the magic of a boring evening at home."*
I am struggling with feelings of FOMO as my husband is an alcoholic. This speech has deeply resonated with me & in particular that part of her speech too. It’s put a lot into perspective.
RIP Gerda Weissman Klein (1924 - 2022) for helping us to realize "the magic of a boring evening at home"
“Why am I here? I am no better.” Heartfelt and full of truth-we should all live each day with this awareness.
I will never forget Gerda or her "boring evening at home" speech; the most memorable moment of the night. The things we take for granted.
“The magic of a boring evening at home”
Pffffff. She killed me there. Beautiful speech
Perhaps the greatest acceptance speech in Oscar history.
The lady deserved a 24 hour standing ovation!
"A long time ago in a galaxy far far away..." when the Oscars gave honor to dignity and truth.
Very well said! Thank you.
So true!
And Nick Cage was making good movies
When it comes to the nominees for the Oscar for best documentary there are always only two categories; leftwing/ liberal or non- political. They NEVER nominate a conservative documentary and ones that describe the OTHER holocaust, the communist one, will never be nominated even though what killed more people than the Nazi Holocaust.
You hit the nail on the head my friend !
The oscars have been a joke for ages now !
i had the honor of attending a sit down conversation with Mrs.Klein tonight. She remarked on her emotions while giving this speech and said all she saw in her mind were the terrible experiences she had to go through during her time in captivity. You can truly see the hurt in her eyes. she is an incredible woman with amazing strength. god bless her.
the world must never forget.
My God. What a powerful and beautiful speech Mrs. Klein gave. I have tears running down my face.
You can see in this woman's eyes all of the things she has seen. I highly recommend people read her memoir, "All But My Life." Not only is it an inspiring (yet obviously very sad) story about how much the human body and spirit can take, it's just an incredibly well-written peace of literature. She has a very poetic way with words. I found myself crying during even the most mundane parts of the book, and sobbing during the saddest.
Grace Mason thank you to tell about the book
I JUST CAME ACROSS THIS POST AND I LOVED IT. I AM HUMBLED BY HER WORDS & WISDOM. SHE IS A SURVIVOR. MAY GOD BLESS HER AND HER FAMILY.
@Holy His Then you are even, you are an idiot, not a smarty.
@Holy His is that a necessary much less "intelligent" comment ? Are you one of the imbeciles who don't think the holocaust happened?
Grace, Thank you. I'll check this book out.
She proves that happiness is a state of mind not what you have. Great speech.
Her entire point is that freedom is what matters, and freedom is not a state of mind. It’s not an attitude. She’s talking about literal imprisonment and literal life and death.
"the magic of a boring evening at home"
talk about putting things into perspective!
... and today people are complaining about having to stay at home or wearing masks in public places 😒
“In my mind’s eye I see those years and those who never lived to see the magic of a boring evening at home. On their behalf, I wish to thank you for honouring their memory and you cannot do it in any better way than when you return to your homes tonight, to realise that each of you who know the joy of freedom are winners. Thank you on their behalf with all my heart.”
♥
To those who will never know the magic of a boring evening at home... to those who will never know freedom. Very powerful.
The price to pay was kind of high. 😏
"...each of you who know the joy of freedom are winners." damn powerful stuff right there.
"... the magic of a boring evenning..." the entire speech hits hard but to me no phrase hits harder than that one... if there is something I blame this system our forefathers created is that it destroyed some of the old value, please dont get me worng change for as hard as it is is great and sometimes necessary. but the way it has become its simply not right, we are teaching our children that a life of happiness is equivalent to a life of prasing and admiration, to have a large group of people constantly at your feet, considering you better than them. that is an illusion, throught my short 21 years of existance and with all the experiences I had, mainly within my family, I have come to learn that nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the sensation of tranquility and security a cold boring winter nigth with your family, or any other nigth for that matter (please pardon any mistakes non english speakinf country here)
Yes, but an award of this kind & the woman herself are proof that we are not entirely hopeless in that regard. She made her own view, similar to yours, more than clear to those who had their minds as well as their ears open. Thx for your thoughtful comment.
TRUTH!
Beautifully written. May God bless you.
What lovely words about your family.
It is a sad realize that millions upon millions of people dont value their families, we are considered old irreverent and in the away and in my case stupid.
So blessings to you and your family and many years of joy and happiness together it is a very rare thing in this day and age.
You come a long way Argentina...😏
she really puts things into perspective.
who cares about having an expensive car or an enormous house? who cares about celebrities scandalous lives? what about all of the people who dont have homes nor food? how can we forget about them?
I know what i want to do with my life....my dreams are not about money or fame... they are about helping anyone who will let me help them.
im only in high school...but one day! one day i will make a difference. i hope there are many more who share my dream.
Yes, there are many who shared your dreams.
And you will, my dear. You will.
hannaraven you mean he lol
When it comes to the nominees for the Oscar for best documentary there are always only two categories; leftwing/ liberal or non- political. They NEVER nominate a conservative documentary and ones that describe the OTHER holocaust, the communist one, will never be nominated even though what killed more people than the Nazi Holocaust.
You go girl! I had a chance to become famous because of my singing voice. However I did not like the way MOST OF the famous ppl live - buying mega mansions, Uber expensive cars, designer clothes, etc..
Instead I worked for federal government SSA as my career - got to help so many people & met my bf/soulmate husband. No greater satisfaction than my wonderful man & helping people from all walks of life!
The most beautiful words tend to flow from those who have endured the most suffering. God bless this dear woman
Oh my goodness ,I’ve been searching for this for so long,I will never forget her speech,just stunning.
I am now 70,my very first experience with the Holocaust was in the fifth grade,we sat in the multi- purpose room watching the mounds of glasses and the faces of those innocent people,awaiting certain death ,I’ve never forgotten that.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to visit the Simon Wiesenthal museum in Los Angeles with a group of friends, the first thing I saw was one of Anne Frank’s diaries,we were then handed a card which we carried throughout the tour,I’m a very sensitive person so what I saw was burned into my soul that day,ad was that day in the fifth grade.
At the end of the tour we inserted the card and the history of the person named in the card came out,I on a piece of paler I still have it to this day,but what happened next will remain with me until the day I die,we had the opportunity to meet a beautiful woman a Holocaust survivor,she showed us the number tattooist on her wrist,I began to sob,the very idea that such a heinous and deplorable crime had taken so many innocent lives is simply unimaginable to me.
I am in the middle of reading her book, "All But My Life" which was the inspiration of this documentary. I have found myself up until 3 and 4 in the morning because I have to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. Tonight I managed to find the documentary online and watched it, then ultimately found this video of her acceptance speech. "Winning was a crust of bread, or to live another day". I will never be the same.
MsRowdy04 I read the book in one day, because I could not put it down. I want to watch the film soon. I cried so much while reading it.
Hi. Could you possibly give me the online link to the documentary? The woman exudes pain & compassion. Many thanks in advance.
When it comes to the nominees for the Oscar for best documentary there are always only two categories; leftwing/ liberal or non- political. They NEVER nominate a conservative documentary and ones that describe the OTHER holocaust, the communist one, will never be nominated even though what killed more people than the Nazi Holocaust.
Always remembered this ladies speech. Have never forgotten it. I watch every year since I was a kid. This lady stood out.
Beauty and Truth and that's all you need to know! It was my privilege to listen to this beautiful person!
Mrs. Klein has just given to me the honor of finally hearing the best acceptance speech ever given at the Oscars. Thank-you.
This lady understood freedom, the word has been abused so much more recently by some who do not understand the true meaning.
So very true James Gleeson. It always pains me to hear older people say 'I wish we could go back to the simpler, good old days' or younger people declaring that older generation don't know adversity like the current one is experiencing.
The 'old days' were not good, not simple for billions and every generation has adversity to overcome. Whilst it may be different for each generation, it is no easier for one or the other. If only we could gain strength from each other rather than compare and pull each other down. It is good to strive for something, to have a goal in life. But for those whose life is a struggle just to make it from day to day, it should be no shame to merely exist. Not everyone can be an adventurer or know fame. But today, to be ordinary is some sort of sin. Everyone wants to be 'famous' and sadly often they are ...for doing nothing at all.
As Gerda said, 'to know the magic of a boring night at home...' for so many, is a freedom that is never experienced.
@Deighton111 wear the damn mask if you freely care for others! Is that too much to understand?! Jeez
@Deighton111 Oh do fuck off.
@Deighton111 You are ignorant.
@Deighton111 Do you want to question the Government? Please do! Do it every day but do it about REAL IMPORTANT ISSUES, about why black people are shoot by the police for no reason, why colleges are so damn expensive, why you don't have an universalistic public healt care system like in so many countries, you should question the Givernment about environmental policy, about why people can own guns and shoot students or every one else, about why it's doing almost nothing to arrest the spread of the virus and so many other IMPORTANT ISSUES. You MUST question those things if you believe to be brilliant or an average smart person really, and protest and fight and vote to change things but when you question why wearing a mask and washing your hands is the minimum you can do to protect yourself and others...then you are ignorant and you are even making a joke out of yourself and l wouldn't be surprised if you believe Earth is flat a this point.
What is the greatest threat to world peace?
Eli Wiesel : "Indifference" .
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of beauty is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, but indifference between life and death.”
Yet, every war has been ended by those who were *not* indifferent to their opponents (regardless of whether the objectively “just” or “unjust” side won any given war.) The point is: neither in concept nor in actuality is a state of lasting world peace possible, given the innate reality of the human condition. Every living thing on this earth is engaged in some manner of battle and struggle-every living thing was born to fight and take and eat and toil (to one extent or another) for daily survival against competing creatures and forces. Human creatures are hardly immune to this reality. We, however, have developed a cognitive sense of culpability and justice that separates us from what we might otherwise call the “wild barbarism” of the animal kingdom.
But even that does not spare us great conflict and suffering, whether that conflict and suffering is deserved or undeserved. There will always be an oppressive force against which we must strive. There will always be inexplicable pain and, yes, wars of one sort or another.
The characteristic of indifference is just one of many threats to a state of even temporary peacefulness among human beings. It is not the greatest. The greatest threat to the impossible notion of “world peace” is the genuine nature of the world itself, i.e. fractious and ever in conflict, ever stressed.
The entire question posed by Mr. Wiesel must be rephrased. And we must educate ourselves with objective truth, embrace an uncensored knowledge of history, and arm ourselves with virtues that champion the noble, the dignified, and the good as we strive to alleviate and eliminate (if but temporarily) the more unsavory aspects of our daily, inescapable condition.
But do not doubt that, sadly, even the attempt to create and force some illusion of Utopia upon all earthly forms of life is, in itself, a weird form of oppression and aggression. The ultimate folly.
Whose “version” of Utopia merits imposition? (And another war is launched!)
Fight for objective values of “good” upon which we can all agree, more or less, take responsibility for own actions and inactions, correct wrongs reasonably and whenever possible, treat others the way we would wish to be treated (unless we are forced to defend our very lives), and hope for the best outcome.
That is the “nicer” side of this mortal coil. The other side is horror, as Mrs. Klein can attest. (Her speech was powerfully moving, btw.)
If ever, in some other sphere of existence, the creatures of earth are given an “explanation” for all of this relentless struggle, I wonder if it would be worth hearing.
The jury is out on that matter, too.
Seems we have that today
Wiesel was a liar.
@@mg2001o why do you say that that?
Each day is another miracle for her, as it should be for each one of us too. We take everything for granted, unable to perceive life the way this lady does. God bless her !!!
A beautiful speech telling us all not to forget how lucky we are!
Now that’s how you put life into perspective... we should all take note.. 🙏🌹💖
I read her book " all but my life " and I've seen her in a documentary, I pray she had a wonderful life.
Her life in ongoing. She turned 97 last month.
God bless her. We can never forget those who passed.
MY HEART JUST FELT A OVER-WHELMING WAVE OF LOVE, RESPECT, EMPATHY AND ADMIRATION FOR THIS BRAVE WOMAN. I TOO THANK GOD FOR A BORING EVENING AT HOME. INSTEAD OF ASKING WHY ME ? OR WHY I'M I HERE ? I THANK GOD AND I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR BEING HERE.
In their defense, it wasn't immediately clear that she was going to speak. When she took the mic, they gave her the time.
What makes me very moved, besides her speech, is the complete silence. How every person in the entire audience in taking in this incredible woman's words.
She had not said a word and I was crying, you see it all in her face... never forget
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
🙏
🙏
A Facebook friend just posted a picture of your mother and her quotation about her being rescued by your father and as soon as I saw the picture I knew who it was from the Academy Awards. What a moment the auditorium was absolutely silent. God was in that auditorium that night she was breathtaking and stunning. God bless her.
It always pains me to hear older people say 'I wish we could go back to the simpler, good old days' or younger people declaring that older generation don't know adversity like the current one is experiencing.
The 'old days' were not good, not simple for billions and every generation has adversity to overcome. Whilst it may be different for each generation, it is no easier for one or the other. If only we could gain strength from each other rather than compare and pull each other down. It is good to strive for something, to have a goal in life. But for those whose life is a struggle just to make it from day to day, it should be no shame to merely exist. Not everyone can be an adventurer or know fame. But today, to be ordinary is some sort of sin. Everyone wants to be 'famous' and sadly often they are ...for doing nothing at all.
As Gerda said, 'to know the magic of a boring night at home...' for so many, is a freedom that is never experienced.
P3n1s
Thank you for giving me a part of your soul.I will cherish this forever.
No matter how many stories we hear each is so unique and reminds us to be grateful for,but guard the privilege of freedom we enjoy, which as we speak seems to be in jeopardy. We must never take for granted that these freedoms exist without our being constantly alert to fight to protect them if necessary.
Thank You!
I hope this woman recieved an extended standing ovation.
Our freedom is on the edge right now.
TRUMPFOREVER I would refer to them as Fascists, or Marxists rather than Communists. I don’t know the ins and outs of the various socialist terminology though.
TRUMPFOREVER You are saying the exact OPPOSITE of truth - Drumpf is a wannabe Fascist Dictator and he tragically admires genocidal Dictators! VOTE BLUE- CHOOSE AMERICA AND DEMOCRACY over the most Dangerous and Worst President in our entire history!
Christine Buckingham I think that you do not understand what Fascism is. Every fascist was a socialist. And Donald Trump will go down as one of the true greats when he brings down the Fascist Keynesian banking system.
It truly is...
@@christinebuckingham8369 if he was a dictator he would enforce mask orders, shutdowns, and federal government control. You obviously don't know what you're talking about. Just because you think it doesn't make it the truth. I may not be a Trump fan but even I can see what's in front of my face.
I just finished reading her "All But My Life" Gerda Weissman, you inspire me and you deserve this Oscar Award.
I can't even express in words how powerful and important this speech is, it might be the best Oscar speech I've ever heard. RIP Gerda Klein
I love you Gerta! You inspire me every minute of everyday!
Humbling, awe inspiring, empowering speech from Mrs Girda Klein. A Survivor: A Lady of class, courage, wisdom, strength and humility. 🦁💗🌈💗🦁
That speech was worthing a standing ovation!
I can recall this moment...in time and a tear in my heart that beckons to remember in time gone from now...but eckos to me and all of us...to Honor those winter days..frozen,Hungry, and starving ...tears and sorrow....but always hope...The earth and dust is a testament to our love and our cruilty...and when i walk ...every step is a reminder to those that history has lost....but time remembers.
I remember when she gave this speech live and her words have stuck with me all these years. I searched a long time for this clip as her words had me transfixed.
It is beyond me that 186 people disliked this posting.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed or disrupted by all that's going on around, I continue to return to this speech. It helps me put things in perspective. Wonderful!
I just rub Ben Gay
Go to UA-cam comments
and type the world away
Thankful for my freedom
she made me cry .. very few simple but powerful words !
All these years later this is so still so moving and powerful! Carry-on
@MonkeyLikesGum I agree. Those who fought and lived during that time, were indeed a great generation. I can't imagine the horror they went through. I wish I had been able to meet this lady. She reminds us what we've been taking for granted for too long. And.. that was THE most eloquent speech I have ever heard, by anyone in my entire life.
Read her book. You will never view life the same. An incredible woman.
RIP Gerda Weissman Klein. 1924-2022
Now there should be an Award show every year that only give's recognition to genuine people like this, Now that's a show I would absolutely watch.
I cry when ever i hear her speeches. Because i know what she went through. Gerda Weissmann shal forevr be rembered
Beautifully said I too am a Survivor who managed to escape to England and then the US God bless you
What a pillar of strength. What a moving speech.
I remember watching this on TV that night 22 years ago and that line about appreciating a boring evening at home has stuck with me all these years. I just googled it and found this speech. I also learned that she later titled one of her books "A Boring Evening At Home."
Fuck you and her and all Foles
I heard her speak years ago at a wonderful dinner in San Francisco. I still cherish her autographed novel. WE MUST NEVER FORGET. Tyranny will always be trying to destroy freedom. Enjoy your boring evenings in freedom... They are a wonderful couple.
What a beautiful lady that has seen more than we will ever know in 3 life times just watching her interviews all I can say is wow this lady is so gracious very humble and never took anything for granted .
Gerda is a lovely woman. I just watched Gerda's testimony yesterday. She lived through hell on earth. She was a song woman. Just beautiful
I have the 1971 edition of ALL BUT MY LIFE and am reading for the umpteenth time her book of the letters she and Kurt Klein kept for decades.
Oh, oh, how touching. In these difficult times, it's good to be reminded that we can survive, and better times will come.
Amen
i am 16 and this made me tear up..:(
She didn't need a piece of paper to deliver a genuine heart warming speech.
At award shows, some ppl are ridiculous. "This is the best day of my life". "Thank you for honoring me". "You love me"
If any after her were thinking of doing that, I bet they changed their minds :)
Her speech should be a prerequisite viewing to all nominees at award shows :)
Exactly how is it ridiculous to thank people for honoring them, or saying it's the best day of your life? You sound like a trump supporter. Someone who complains about celebrities while worshipping the most orange of them.
Consumer war !!!
Aisle 7
STAT !
Oh my gosh. I am crying. We can never imagine the horrors, but we should never forget! 💔😢
My hero. She is the pinnacle of strength and love.
And grace and substance 👍
This makes me feel a weird mix of joy and depression.
The magic of a boring evening at home…how can it be said any more elegantly? I hope I have a daughter one day and I will name her Gerda
She made me cry!
WORDS TO REMEMBER, WORDS TO LIVE BY!!
Mrs Klein you are here to help us to remember,EVERYTHING, so this horror never happens again. You are here to prove goodness can sustain through the worst of humanity. Bless you and all who suffered at the hands of monsters.
place it next to the speech of Hattie McDaniel at 12th Academy Awards.
Her words always make me cry. "The magic of a boring evening at home". RIP Mrs. Gerda Weissman.
She managed to work in the title of one of her post-war books: "A Boring Evening at Home." When she speaks, it is from the heart, and the gratitude flows to anyone with the ears and heart to hear.
Wow, just wow. That was emotionally heartfelt & we should all give thanks for another day …
Just so truly and exquisitely expressed by such a lovely and an extraordinary soul.
May her beautiful soul be blessed with peace.
This Woman is Amazing. She will be coming to a nearby college in about a week. I can't wait to hear her speak in person. I am 14 years old.
got me all teary...wonderful speech....what a great spirit
Wow. There are no words. She said exactly what she needed to say and left such a beautiful yet sad note.
May her memory be a blessing.
Who in the hell would thumbs down this?
Neonazis?
Nazis.
@@phantasm1004 swine.
Who cares?? As long as some people liked it. People aren’t allowed to click what they want?
@@siennavine81 Yes, they are. And people are allowed to ask why other people are stupid.
Thank God and whatever powers that be and when they tried to play her off she stood firm and gave one of the most poignant touching and powerful speeches I’ve ever heard
No victims just winners! No one asking for pity or reparations. ❤️🙏👏
A beautiful speech! God bless her!
They almost removed her from the stage. Im glad They didn t managed to. What a speech. I was weeping like a baby.
I had a boring evening the other night. I realize I was sleeping on a clean bed, not on the dirt. I was able to get a glass of water, not beg for it. I read a book, not my suffered kind. I understand how blessed I am, and how it sad it make me feels to not appreciate the magic of a boring evening with my loved ones.
What a magnificient lady. What a poetic way to put things into perspective. There she is saying that winning meant "a crust of bread and to live another day" while the people sitting in front of them may have never missed a meal. If they had the tiniest sense of decency, they felt ashamed of coveting the oscar when some people all they want is a piece of bread or a hug. Well done Gerda! It would have been horrible to have missed her well thought out and eloquent speech.
Her film has been preserved now for all time, so generations after this can still view it.
One Survivor Remembers is a excellent documentary.
What a truely amazing woman who speaks for the millions of people who can not. While channel surfing one late night I happen to come upon this remarkable lady's story on HBO.
A story of courage and strength, hopefully her story will be told long after she is gone.
She is definitely one remarkable woman!!
Great camera work. That's what made the whole speech so emotional. That close up in addition to the words gave that speech its life. One without the other would have been less impactful.
She brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing speech and what an amazing woman.
This is one of the greatest speeches of all time. It is immortal. Important. I will never forget this speech.
The book all but my life ...just incredible ...we must never forget 😢😊😊
So glad they let her speak 💜❤️