5 Oscar Moments That Proved Women’s Voices Matter

The Oscars have given us unforgettable speeches that didn’t just acknowledge talent but also demanded fairness and progress. Here’s a look at five winners who turned their moment into a movement

Words Kaila Dy
Photos courtesy of The Academy
March 4, 2025

With the 97th Academy Awards now behind us and Women’s Empowerment Month in full swing, there’s no better time to revisit moments that have helped shift the narrative. Over the years, the Oscars have stood for more than just cinematic excellence—women have used the stage to speak about equality, representation, and progress.

Winning an Oscar, for many women in Hollywood, is more than just a personal achievement. It’s a platform to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. Here are five Oscar moments that transformed victories into movements.

Patricia Arquette (Best Supporting Actress, 2015)

After winning Best Supporting Actress for Boyhood in 2015, Patricia Arquette used her speech to demand wage equality:

"To every woman who has given birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights. It is now our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America."

The hall erupted in applause, but nothing was more electrifying than Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez, cheering Arquette on with raised fists—a moment that has been replayed for years. It was bold. It was unapologetic. It was necessary. Arquette’s words shattered Hollywood’s glossy façade, exposing a truth every woman knew: fair pay isn’t a privilege—it’s a right. She wasn’t just speaking for herself; she was reigniting a conversation too important to ignore.

Halle Berry (Best Actress, 2002)

In 2002, Halle Berry made history as the first Black woman to win Best Actress for Monster’s Ball, a moment that sent shockwaves through the industry. But rather than focusing solely on her own achievement, Berry dedicated the win to the countless women of color who had come before her but had been overlooked.

"This moment is bigger. Every other woman of color whose name is not known and whose face is not known, tonight has a chance because tonight this door has been opened."

Her tears spoke volumes. Yet, despite the emotional impact of her win, the industry has yet to follow through on its promise of greater inclusivity. In the 23 years since Berry’s victory, no other Black woman has won in this category. Her speech remains a powerful reminder that breaking barriers means little if others aren’t allowed to follow.

Zoe Saldana (Best Actress, 2025)

At the 97th Academy Awards, Zoe Saldana made history as the first Latina—and first Dominican woman—to win Best Actress. Standing in the spotlight, she made it clear that this moment was bigger than just her:

"I am the first Dominican woman to win this award, but I refuse to be the last. For every Latina, every woman of color who has been told she wasn’t ‘mainstream’ enough—this is for you. Your stories matter. Our stories matter. And we will no longer wait for permission to be seen. We belong here, and we always have."

The room erupted in applause, a testament to how long overdue this recognition was. Saldana’s victory wasn’t just personal; it was a cultural shift. Her words served as a rallying cry for all the women who had been waiting for their turn, proving that representation is no longer a favor—it’s a necessity.

Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress, 2023)

Michelle Yeoh made history in 2023 as the first Asian woman to win Best Actress for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her speech was a direct challenge to an industry that often sidelines women as they age:

"Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up. This is proof that dreams do come true. And to all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight—this is a beacon of hope and possibility. This is proof that we can be seen, that we can be heard, and that we do belong."

In an industry notorious for casting women aside after a certain age, Yeoh’s words were a battle cry against outdated norms. Her win wasn’t just symbolic—it was proof that talent knows no expiration date.

Frances McDormand (Best Actress, 2018)

When Frances McDormand won Best Actress for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri in 2018, she took a stand for representation in Hollywood. Inviting every female nominee to stand with her, she delivered a powerful statement:

"Look around, ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed. Don’t talk to us about it at the parties tonight—invite us into your office in a couple of days."

Then, she dropped two words that sent Hollywood into a frenzy: "Inclusion rider." This clause, which demands diversity in hiring, sparked widespread discussions and pushed the industry to confront its lack of representation. McDormand wasn’t just making a request—she was laying down a challenge that filmmakers could no longer ignore.

These Oscar moments weren’t just speeches; they were calls to action. They reminded the world that women’s voices matter—not just in Hollywood, but everywhere. And as history continues to be written, one thing is clear: the fight for representation and equality is far from over.