An emotional evening at the 81st Academy Awards. Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Milk, the critically-acclaimed story of California’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. Black told an audience of billions how Harvey Milk inspired him:
When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas, to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life; it gave me the hope that one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. […]
Most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by their churches, or by the government, or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value. And that no matter what everyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours.
Milk was nominated in eight categories and received the Oscar for best original screenplay and for Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, for Sean Penn for his role as Harvey Milk.
Video of Black's speech here.
Dustin Lance Black's speech wasn't necessarily unexpected, but imagine how "out of nowhere" it must have come for all the gay kids watching the show! My heart leapt with joy for the love, positive energy and sense of validation that was sent out to them last night in that moment. It was so on point and POWERFUL, indeed ! ! !
Posted by: Corey | 23 February 2009 at 08:49
The film itself wasn't very good to me.
But, his speech was very heartfelt and I'm glad he shouted LGBT youth out and LGBTs in general...
Posted by: Ryan | 23 February 2009 at 09:26
I loved his speech. It was very inspiring and hopefully many young gay teens heard it, it will have an impact on them.
Posted by: Antwan | 23 February 2009 at 09:39
I LOVED HIS SPEECH...SO REAL...SO HONEST
Posted by: THEGAYTEKEEPER | 23 February 2009 at 09:47
i'm with ryan, i'm happy the movie did well but i thought the film was a fairly pedestrian biopic but dustin lane black's speech was powerful
i applaud mr. black and mr. penn
Posted by: Dubois | 23 February 2009 at 09:52
This is amazing and more people should be adding this on this block!
But Blacks have always been more 'socially conservative'...
Keep it all in the closet. Don't be political...
Oh well...
Posted by: Rowan | 23 February 2009 at 14:18
What a great film and speech!
Posted by: RL | 25 February 2009 at 19:35