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Year: 2011 (84th) Academy Awards

Category: Actor in a Supporting Role

Film Title: Beginners

Winner: Christopher Plummer

Presenter: Melissa Leo

Date & Venue: February 26, 2012; Hollywood & Highland Center

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER:
[To the Oscar:] You're only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?

I have a confession to make. When I first emerged from my mother's womb, I was already rehearsing my Academy thank you speech. But it was so long ago, mercifully for you I've forgotten it. But I haven't forgotten who to thank. The Academy, of course, for this extraordinary honor. And my fellow nominees: Kenneth, Nick, Jonah, dear Max. I'm so proud to be in your company. Of course I wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for Michael Mills and his enchanting film, "Beginners." And my screen partner, of course, Ewan McGregor, that superb artist who I would happily share this award with if I had any decency -- but I don't. All the producers at Olympus Films, especially Leslie Urdang and Miranda de Pencier. All the people at Focus, for their tremendous generosity and support. And not to mention my, haha, little band of agents provocateurs: Lou Pitt and his wife Berta, Carter Cohn, Pippa Markham, Perry Zimel, who've tried so hard to keep me out of jail. My daughter Amanda, who always makes me proud. And lastly, my long-suffering wife, Elaine, who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for coming to my rescue every day of my life. Thank you so much.

© Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
[Note: All winners are present except where noted; NOT all winners may have spoken.]