Learnings from the BAFTA speeches everyone is talking about
This week, I joined BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat to discuss some of the standout acceptance speeches from this year’s BAFTAs, and why they connected so strongly with audiences.
What struck me most was not just who won, it was how they spoke about their experience and what the award means to them.
Because the speeches people remember are not the most polished or prepared. They are the most human, real, and relatable.
Moments like this can make or break how people remember you.
So the question is this…
What would you say if you won an award?
Audiences Want Real People, Not Perfect Speeches
One thing I shared during the interview is how much acceptance speeches have changed over the years.
There was a time when speeches felt very formal. People often sounded rehearsed, distant, and polished to perfection.
But today, audiences want something very different.
They want authenticity.
Social media has completely changed how we experience these moments. A speech is no longer just for the room itself. Within seconds, clips are online, shared across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and news outlets.
The moments that spread are almost never the most scripted ones. They are the ones that go really well, or really badly!
They are simply the moments that feel real.
It's all about being real, being authentic, being in the moment, showing how you feel, and really displaying your true self.
That authenticity is what creates connection, and connection is what makes people remember you.
Why Stephen Graham’s Speech Resonated
One speech that really stood out for me was Stephen Graham’s.
What made it powerful was not just the words themselves. It was how grounded he felt while delivering them.
He spoke naturally.
He used regional language.
He proudly referenced his hometown, Liverpool.
He embraced his accent and his background instead of trying to smooth any of it away (which people felt they had to do years ago)
For years, there was an idea that there were only certain routes into industries like television and film. Certain schools. Certain accents. Certain backgrounds.
Thankfully, that has changed and I think Stephen represents that brilliantly.
Owen Cooper's BAFTA Winning Speech Inspried Younger Generations
During the interview, I spoke about how important visibility is, especially for younger audiences, and how those winning speeches can inspire the next generation of creatives.
Owen Cooper's win and speech stood out and proved exactly that, telling the audience “In the words of John Lennon, you won't get anything unless you have the vision to imagine it.”
When someone stands on a stage and succeeds while fully being themselves, it gives others permission to believe they can too.
By relating to the actor suddenly we think:
“If it's possible for him, it could be possible for me.”
That is one of the hidden powers of recognition that I love.
Alan Carr Showed the Importance of Connection
I also loved Alan Carr’s speech.
Alan is naturally funny, of course, but what made the moment work so well was that he leaned fully into who he already is.
He was self-deprecating, warm, and ultimately comfortable in himself.
And he cleverly referenced moments audiences already recognised from The Traitors, including the now viral scenes people had already been sharing online.
That created an immediate connection.
It also highlighted something I think is increasingly noticable in today’s world of acceptance speeches.
Memorable moments can go viral fast.
A single clip from an acceptance speech can become part of a much wider online conversation within minutes.
That means speeches are no longer just speeches. They are content. They are storytelling. They are visibility.
So when you are planning your awards acceptance speech, think not only about connecting with the audience in the room, but the audience outside the room too.
The Three Things I Believe Make a Great Acceptance Speech
During the interview, Polly asked me what makes a truly memorable speech.
For me, it comes down to three things.
1. Be Relatable
People connect with people they recognise themselves in.
That means speaking naturally, honestly, and without trying to become someone else for the occasion.
2. Be Authentic
Audiences are incredibly good at spotting when something feels forced.
The best speeches come from the heart and are filled with real stories – how they got here, how they overcame barriers, why it means so much now – and who else could do the same.
3. Create Emotional Connection
That connection can come through humour, gratitude, vulnerability, or inspiration.
That doesn't mean it needs to be big emotional breakdowns, just honest reflections.
Audiences want to feel something, and that is what stays with them afterwards.
What Can Make a Speech Fall Flat?
Interestingly, some of the things people assume make a speech good can actually weaken it.
For example, I think it is possible to become too prepared.
Preparation is important, of course.
But over-rehearsing can remove spontaneity and emotional connection. Sometimes speeches become so polished that they stop feeling real.
I also think it is important not to lose the audience emotionally. Vulnerability matters, but people still need to feel comfortable alongside you – not watch you meltdown.
The strongest speakers make audiences feel included in their success.
And finally, I think speeches struggle when they feel distant or aloof. So be who you are, not who you think people want you to be.
The Best Speeches Are Never Just About the Winner
One of the most important things I always encourage people to think about is this:
Who wins when you win?
Because recognition is hardly ever achieved alone.
The speeches that stay with us will acknowledge the people behind the success:
- teams
- families
- communities
- mentors
- supporters
- customers
I thought several winners did this beautifully during the BAFTAs, including Rose Ayling-Ellis, who used her moment to advocate for and include others from under-represented groups.
That is what makes a speech bigger than the award itself. It becomes a platform for impact.
Who will your words continue to make a difference to after the speech has ended?
Why This Matters for Businesses Too
It is easy to think acceptance speeches only matter in entertainment. But the same principles apply in business.
Whether you are a founder, entrepreneur, charity leader, or part of a growing team, the moment you win recognition is also a valuable and timeless moment of visibility.
Your acceptance speech may become:
- a social media clip
- a press quote
- part of your employer brand
- something future clients watch
- a defining leadership moment
The brands and leaders people trust most are usually the ones that feel human. So make sure your speech is a true representation of your human impact.
Get ready for awards season and how you might share what this award means to you.
And remember, the most powerful speeches are not really about success.
They are about the journey behind it.
Ready to Become an Award-Winning Brand?
At August Recognition, we help businesses, entrepreneurs, teams and leaders gain recognition that creates genuine impact.
Because awards are about far more than trophies.
They build visibility, credibility, trust, and opportunity.
And when recognition is paired with authentic storytelling, it becomes incredibly powerful.
If you are ready to raise your profile and become an award-winning brand, we would love to help.
