Robin Williams Knew How To Give A Good Speech

In 1998, no one deserved the Best Supporting Actor Oscar more than Robin Williams did. His portrayal of Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting was inspiring, honest, joyful, and thought-provoking. But most importantly his role was emotionally moving: with just one sentence, he was able to make you truly understand that “it’s not your fault.”

Along with his iconic performance came a remarkable acceptance speech. And although his wasn't filled with unadulterated excitement and hysterical rambling words like that of his costars, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, it was full of the type of humility and humor that only he could deliver. After a round of thunderous applause clearly showing that Williams would be the victor, the actor embraced Damon and Affleck and walked up the steps to retrieve his Oscar.

In his speech, Williams started off by thanking the audience for the honor and then quickly jumped right into some comedy by telling the then-young Damon and Affleck that he "still want[ed] to see some I.D." After moving on and thanking the "Mishpucka Weinstein," he poignantly (and humorously) thanked his father: "And most of all, I want to thank my father, up there, the man who, when I said I wanted to be an actor, said, 'Wonderful, just have a backup profession like welding.'" Take a look at William's entire speech below.