9 Of The Most Awe-Inspiring Moments From The 2014 Oscars

The 2014 AWEscars were nothing short of amazing.

1. Lupita Nyong'o's Beautiful Acceptance Speech

Via eonline.com

When the brilliant Nyong'o won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Patsey in 12 Years a Slave, she eloquently brought to life the spirit of the film and the history which inspired it.

"It doesn't escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else's."
-Lupita Nyong'o

2. Bette Midler's Performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings" During 'In Memoriam' Tribute

Kevin Winter/Getty Images / Via moviefone.com

In her first ever performance on the Oscars stage, Bette sang "Wind Beneath My Wings" during the always emotional 'In Memoriam' segment of the awards ceremony. The tribute honored the memory of some of the most beloved performers who have passed in the last year.

3. The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life Oscar Win and Malcolm Clarke's Acceptance Speech

Via ctvnews.com

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short. The documentary featured Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest living Holocaust survivor, who passed away one week prior to the Academy Awards ceremony at the age of 110. Malcolm Clarke, who co-directed the film with Nicholas Reed (left), dedicated the award to Herz-Sommer's memory and spirit.

"She was a woman who taught everyone on our crew to be a little bit more optimistic and a little bit more happy about the things going on in our lives. See the film; she'll help you live a much happier life."
-Malcolm Clarke

4. Matthew McConaughey's Acceptance Speech

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Matthew McConaughey won Best Actor for his role as Ron Woodruff in Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey kept his acceptance speech lighthearted, thanking the usual suspects and also giving insight into the three things he needs each day. "One of them is something to look up to, another is something to look forward to and another is someone to chase," said McConaughey.

According to McConaughey: He looks up to God. He looks forward to his family. He chases himself--a better version of himself-- 10 years into the future.

McConaughey humorously ended his speech with one of his most notable lines from the 1993 comedy Dazed and Confused, "Alright, alright, alright."

5. The Best Acceptance Speech of All Time

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Another lighthearted speech came from Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the husband-wife songwriter team, who accepted the award for Best Song for "Let it Go" from the Frozen soundtrack.

The duo alternated their sing-songy lines, rhymed their thank-yous and sweetly mentioned their children, to whom they dedicated the song and its powerful message.

This award makes Robert the 12th ever EGOT winner, meaning he's the proud owner of an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony!

6. Pink's Rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for Wizard of Oz Tribute

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Stunning in an appropriately colored ruby red gown, the sultry singer broke from her more pop rock roots and sang a rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for the history books.

Without her usual acrobatics and pyrotechnics to accompany her, Pink gave one of her more subdued performances in tribute to the The Wizard of Oz and the celebration of 75 years since its Oscar win.

7. 12 Years a Slave Best Picture Win

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This win made history in a big way. In 86 years of the Academy Awards, 12 Years a Slave is the first movie from a black director to win the award for Best Picture.

The film's director, Steve McQueen, dedicated the picture to any and all individuals who have endured slavery in the past and to the 21 million who are still enslaved today.

8. Jared Leto's Acceptance Speech

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He thanked his mom in the most compelling way possible. He told her story.

"I just want to say, I love you mom. Thank you for teaching me to dream."
-Jared Leto

9. And... Jared Leto's Acceptance Speech

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As if giving a genuinely grateful shout-out to his mom wasn't enough, Leto went on to show great profundity, mentioning Ukraine and Venezuela (two countries currently in turmoil) and dedicating his award to the "36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS" and to those who have faced discrimination because of their sexual orientation.

To view the speech in all its glory, go here.