Oscars: Quotes

“I hope to God I don't win an Oscar tomorrow night. It would really depress me if I did. I really don't deserve it. It wasn't that important a part anyhow." - Dustin Hoffman, 1968

"The Academy Awards are obscene, dirty . . . no better than a beauty contest." - Dustin Hoffman, 1975

“Contrary to what Mr. Hoffman thinks, it is not an obscene evening. It is not garish and it is not embarrassing”. - Frank Sinatra, presenter during the Oscar broadcast in 1975, responding to Dustin Hoffman.

 "I'm up here with mixed feelings. I've been critical of the Academy ... and for reason. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to be able to work. …But this Oscar is a symbol, I think. ... And to that artistic family that strives for excellence, none of you have ever lost. And I am proud to share this with you, and I thank you." - Dustin Hoffman, acceptance speech 1989 for Best Actor for "Rain Man"

“Oscar and I have something in common. Oscar first came to Hollywood scene in 1928. So did I. We're both a little weather-beaten, but we're still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer.” - John Wayne, 1979

“The only way to find the best actor would be to let everybody play Hamlet and let the best man win.” - Humphrey Bogart, 1951

“When the Academy called, I panicked. I thought they might want their Oscars back and the pawn shop has been out of business for awhile.” - Woody Allen, 2002

“What does the Academy Award mean? I don't think it means much of anything.” - Sally Field, 1980

“ I've wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn't feel it. But this time I feel it. And I can't deny the fact that you like me . . . right now . . . you like me. Thank you.” - Sally Field, 1985

“…the greatest promotion scheme that any industry ever devised for itself.” - Wiliam Freidkin (Director and past Oscar winner), 2009

"The (Academy Award) ceremonies are a two-hour meat parade, a public display with contrived suspense for economic reasons." - George C. Scott, declining the Oscar for Best Actor, 1971

"I have no regard for that kind of ceremony. I just don’t think they know what they’re doing. When you see who wins those things—or who doesn’t win them—you can see how meaningless this Oscar thing is." - Woody Allen, 1978

Robin Williams before opening the envelope at the 71st Academy Awards,  to his co-presenter:  “ I feel like Adam when he said to Eve, 'Back up, I don't know how big this gets.' ”