Oscars 2015: ‘Imitation Game’ screenwriter gives moving speech on teen suicide
By Will Stroude
Alan Turing biopic The Imitation Game picked up the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 87th Academy Awards last night (February 22), and the film’s screenwriter Graham Moore caused a huge stir with his heartfelt acceptance speech.
Revealing that he tried to kill himself as a teenager who was struggling with his identity, Moore dedicated the award to kids who feel “different”, urging them to “stay weird”.
“When I was 16 years old I tried to kill myself, because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt like I did not belong.
“And now I’m standing here, and so I’d like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere – yes you do. I promise you do.
“Stay weird, stay different, and then when it’s your turn and you’re standing on this stage, please pass this message to the next person that comes along.
While the Alan Turing biopic missed out on prizes in the seven other categories in which it was nominated – including Best Film and Best Actor for leading man Benedict Cumberbatch, Moore has already picked up the BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Screenplay this awards season.
Watch his moving speech in full below:
attitude.co.uk
recently spoke to Cumberbatch about his role in the now Oscar-winning film – read his interview in full here.
More stories:
Cumberbatch: ‘I’m glad there was no gay sex in ‘The Imitation Game’
Film review: ‘The Imitation Game’