Lights, Cameras, Kindness! Lessons Learned from the 2015 Oscars

Posted on February 23, 2015


Neil Patrick Harris hosts Oscars
Birdman, Oscar de la Renta and Neil Patrick Harris are just a few of the most buzzed about words from last night’s 87th annual Academy Awards show. Millions of viewers tuned in to watch celebrities walk the red carpet, enjoy an opening musical number by NPH and anxiously sit through the award presentations. While most viewers were focused on the fashion, films and musical performances, there was something else more striking taking place inside the Dolby Theater: Kindness.

It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive nature of award season, but each of the nominees at last night’s ceremony handled the tense environment with patience, grace and humanity. Here are just a few of the ways some of the biggest stars embodied these admirable attributes:

Thanking Others: Traditionally, upon hearing ones name recited from that crisp white envelope, award winners go on stage, share a few words and publicly thank the people who helped him or her reach this milestone. Last night was no exception. Award winners  Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne embodied the principle of recognizing the good by thanking their directors, producers, cast members, fellow nominees and families, without whom they would not have received their award. No matter how rich and famous one is, it is important to thank others for helping you achieve any task: big or small.
Birdman wins Best Picture
Supporting Your Friends: In good times or bad, it’s important to always be by your friends and family’s side. Husbands, wives, children and friends joined their loved ones on the red carpet and inside the Dolby Theater to show their support. Chrissy Teigen sat by husband John Legend as he won an Oscar for Best Original Song, and J.K. Simmon’s wife, Michelle, sat in the audience cheering and smiling as her husband won the award for Best Supporting Actor. As screenwriters, directors, composers and actors went on stage to receive their awards, the cameras shot to the audience who were cheering and clapping, giving the award winners well deserved support and recognition.
Being a Gracious Loser: Although each and every one of last night’s nominees has talent beyond compare, there can only be one winner. Losing is never easy – especially when the prize is national recognition for ones work and a shiny golden man (who wouldn’t want that?!). It says a lot about a person when instead of lamenting a loss, he or she can celebrate the success of their peers. As cameras shot to Meryl Streep, Michael Keaton and Reese Witherspoon, nominees who did not receive an award, it was nice to see them cheering on their fellow nominees and being genuinely excited for their win.

Patricia Arquette advocates for gender equality
Support a Good Cause: At last night’s ceremony, celebrities took to the stage, not only to accept their award, but to support causes meaningful to them. Patricia Arquette famously spoke out in support of gender equality and women’s rights, Julianne Moore shone a light on Alzheimer’s disease, Eddie Redmayne raised awareness of ALS and “The Imitation Game” writer, Graham Moore, gave a powerful speech about suicide awareness and depression. By using a public platform to support good causes, these award winners showed that the night was not about themselves: it was about those whose lives we are all able to impact.