The 65th Annual Academy Awards

On March 29, 1993, Elizabeth graced the Oscars stage for what would be the final time when Angela Lansbury presented her with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 65th Annual Academy Awards for her pioneering work in the fight against AIDS. After receiving two competitive Best Actress Academy Awards, it was this honourary award that Elizabeth held closest to her heart.

Elizabeth’s Acceptance Speech

Below is Elizabeth’s heartfelt speech transcribed in its entirety:

Thank you so much. I have been on this stage many times as a presenter, I have sat in the audience as a loser, and I have had the thrill and the honor of standing here as a winner. But I never ever thought I would come out here to receive this award. It is the highest possible accolade I could receive from my peers, and for doing something I just have to do, that my passion must do. I am filled with pride and humility.

I accept this award in honor of all the men, women and children with AIDS who are waging incredibly valiant battles for their lives, those to whom I have given my commitment, the real heroes of the pandemic of AIDS. I am so proud of the work that people in Hollywood have done to help so many others, like dearest, gentle Audrey [Hepburn]. And while she is, I know, in heaven, forever guarding her beloved children, I will remain here as rowdy an activist as I have to be and, God willing, for as long as I have to be.

Tonight I am asking for your help. I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being to prove that we are a human race. To prove that our love outweighs our need to hate. That our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame. That our sensitivity to those in need is stronger than our greed. That our ability to reason overcomes our fear. And that at the end of each of our lives, we can look back and be proud that we have treated others with the kindness, dignity and respect that every human being deserves. Thank you and God bless.

1993 Oscars Fashion

She wore a dress by Valentino, the red AIDS ribbon, and the Daisy Parure by Van Cleef & Arpels. There’s an interesting backstory to these gems. Unlike other celebrities, Elizabeth, except for on a few rare occasions, exclusively wore jewelry from her own personal collection. She had initially borrowed the daisy parure from Van Cleef & Arpels to wear on this special occasion. However, she loved them so much—and they were a special part of such a significant evening in her life—that she bought them!

She was due to attend the Academy Awards again in 2003 to join other Oscar winners for the “class photo” segment introduced by Olivia de Havilland in honour of the 75th anniversary of the awards. However, Dame Elizabeth was one of several actors who ultimately cancelled their appearances, feeling it would be inappropriate in light of the Iraq War.