Here are the Oscar speeches of the winners!
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Introduced by Robert Zemeckis:
"Five outstanding directors, all first-time nominees, crafted five memorable films. Motion pictures of skill and imagination that show every promise of standing the test of time."

The Oscar for Best Director goes to Mel Gibson for BRAVEHEART:

I don't write speeches, but I would like to thank a few people and I have it on a list. Not a long list, not too long, but anyway I'd like to thank the Academy first of all. And Alan Ladd, Jr. and Randall Wallace who first came to me with the script. Randy wrote it, Laddy was attached as a producer and they had no problem with giving the reins to a fiscal imbecile. You know, this takes real courage. My
production company at Icon, Bruce Davey, Steve McEveety, Dean Lapoda, my right hand man and everyone at Icon. Paramount and Fox, who both went in, they double-dipped with Sherry Lansing, John Dolgen, Barry London, Peter Chernin, Bill Mechanic, Jim Gianopoulos... it's one of the best cast
and crews I've ever worked with. John Toll who's already been honored here tonight. Tom Sanders, Charles Knode, Steve Rosenblum, David Tomblin - thanks for dragging me
through the mud sometimes. James Horner, Mic Rodgers, Simon Crane and the clan Wallace, we mustn't forget the clan Wallace. Nigel Sinclair, Ed Limato, Jeff Berg, Alan Neirob, Paul Block, Robyn, my wife and family for indulging me and God for indulging me in this tiny moment. And every director I've ever worked with. They were my film school. And now that I'm a bona fide director with a Golden Boy, well, like most directors, I suppose what I really want to do is act. Is that right? Thank you from the bottom of my heart, his is a truly wonderful evening for me, thank you.
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Introduced by Sidney Poitier:
"Through pathways in the heart and across rivers of the mind instinct guides us to a place somewhere in human conciousness as no known address. There we look inside ourselves, confront our demons and do battle with a mystery called the creative process. Sometimes we win, sometimes not. Such battles, such journeys, are the stuff of which movies are made and dreams are spun. Among some of you here who have been there, sit those of you who have brought us to this next moment. To all of you, the Academy's appreciation."

The Oscar for Best Picture goes to Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey, and Alan Ladd Jr. for BRAVEHEART:

MG: I only have 45 seconds, and I don't want to hog the limelight from these two gentlemen who really deserve the statue. Thank you again all those people I thanked before and I owe a special debt of gratitude to Bruce, here, and Alan. Take it away fellas...

BD: I'd like to endorse all those people that Mel thanked. And, I'd also like to thank those who inspired and supported me along the way, I truly am indebted. In particular to Nigel Sinclair, Steve McEveety, Ed Limato and Jeff Berg. And to you Mel, I thank you for the opportunities that you have given me, for your encouragement, loyalty and friendship. And to Joe, Stuart and Jane, thanks for your tolerance and patience in life. Thank you.

AL: I'd like to say thank you very much to my family, thanks very much.
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