Did Michael Keaton hide his speech when Eddie Redmayne won the Oscar?

Author: | Filed under: Celebrities

I’ve still got plenty of feelings about what happened at the Oscars, especially in the Best Actor category. Michael Keaton was my candidate of choice. He and Eddie Redmayne both won Globes, and the category became a dead heat between two worthy competitors. As everyone knows, Eddie Redmayne snagged the SAG and the BAFTA and ended up winning the Oscar. Earlier in the weekend, Keaton nabbed an Independent Spirit Award, which must have been a big confidence booster. So his loss was sad even though Eddie’s speech was adorable.

I debated whether to cover this story, but it’s all over the place, so why not? Keaton had his speech prepared (as one does) and in hand when the envelope opened. As Eddie bounded up to the stage, Keaton casually attempted to tuck his notecard into his inner suit pocket. Now that moment is an internet meme. Get ready for your heart to burst open and fly away in a bird formation with this Vine video:

Yeah, this sucks, but we’re only speculating here. Maybe Keaton was tucking a handkerchief or his ever present pack of gum away. No? Let’s get real then. Keaton isn’t into “false humility“ and wanted to win. He promised an amazing speech with “weeping, gushing, phony, and obnoxious” qualities. The speech is still floating around out there. This outcome is typical of what would happen in Birdman, isn’t it?

I do feel awful for adding to Keaton’s humiliation, but the way I see it, Keaton wins no matter what. He carried Birdman, which won multiple categories. He’s led a career full of blockbusters and indies. He often takes time away from Hollywood. He only works when he wants to. Basically, he’s living the dream. And he’s Batman. (No disrespect to Ben Affleck!)

Anyway Keaton was an excellent sport despite losing his most coveted honor. He hugged all over David Oyelowo and posed with Alejandro Inarritu. Keaton went on to attend the Vanity Fair party after the ceremony. If I were him, moping would have taken priority over partying with co-stars.

David Oyelowo