And the Oscar Goes to…Mom
The best way to make children good is to make them happy.
—Oscar Wilde
What was on display more than the cavalcade of gowns at this year’s (and to be honest, every year’s) Oscars ceremony? Gratitude for mothers! From the many shoutouts by The Daniels to Rihanna's bébé bump, the power of moms and the role of motherhood in a person’s life got top billing. And PS, doesn’t just thinking about multi-tasking matriarchs give another meaning to everything everywhere all at once!?
Let’s listen in on the speeches themselves: Ke Huy Quan’s first words were “my mom” before he spoke directly to her about winning an Oscar. Daniel Scheinert shared, “Thank you for not squashing my creativity” while Daniel Kwan reminded us that, “We are all products of our context. We are all descendants of something and someone,” noting that his parents passed their love and dreams on to him while likely parroting their words: “There is greatness in every single person. I will love you no matter what.” The latter a message to his own baby boy.
Michelle Yeoh also shares what her mom instilled in her: dream big and never give up. Along with so many others, she dedicated her award not only to her own mom, but to “all the moms in the world because they are really the super heroes and without them, none of us would be here tonight.” This sentiment comes alive on stage but it’s not just for one moment or one famous night on Hollywood’s biggest stage. It’s true in our own homes and in our owns hearts. Tangible. Accessible. That’s kind of the point.
No matter who raised us—a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, or even a dad—we are supported by a lineage of motherhood that nurtures our growth and exploration. Messages of “you can do it” and “I believe in you” are the building blocks of that foundation from the get-go. From “the world is your oyster” to “don’t chew with your mouth full.” “Never forget where you came from” to “don’t embarrass me,” mamas are full of wisdom and support even when it doesn’t quite feel like it in the moment.
I’m reminded of a great scene in the movie Almost Famous where by Frances McDormand’s character says, “I didn't ask for this role, but I'll play it. Now go do your best. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid. Goethe said that.” She, like all mothers, adds the new facet of the job description to her already long list of roles, and still continues to dole out wisdom —even if onto deaf ears.
Wherever you sit on the mommy spectrum of life, know this: all the mom-isms are true (that’s why they’re funny!), what mama said will eventually make sense and you will likely hear her words coming out of your own mouth eventually, and Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14 this year.
As mom herself would say, go call your mother! And if she isn’t nearby or is now unreachable, speak to her anyway. She’ll hear you. And then do yourself a favor, just listen.
