The Observer’s Best Water Cooler Moments

Oscar Kanye Gate has received quite some attention in the past year. The New York Observer presented a list of “Best Watercooler Moments of the Year”, and guess what’s on number 5?

5. “I’mona Let You Finish” at the Oscars

Short documentary filmmaker Roger Ross Williams humbly stepped onstage to accept his Oscar for “Music by Prudence” when out of no where the project’s estranged producer Elinor Burkett co-opted the mike for the sake of “the women.” Williams was later invited to Larry King to finish his speech, but was, ironically, rushed for time and once again couldn’t finish!

Find the full top 11 here.

Tags | acceptance speech, Elinor Burkett, New York Observer, Oscar, Roger Ross Williams

Roger & Oscar (video)

As we now all know, on March 7th 2010, Roger Ross Williams won an Oscar for his documentary short Music by Prudence. It became quite an event…

Tags | acceptance speech, Larry King Live, Oscar, Roger Ross Williams, video clip

We won!!! We won!!! We won!!!

Music by Prudence just won the Oscar for Best Documentary short!!!!

Director and producer Roger Ross Williams couldn’t complete his acceptance speech on stage, but here is what he planned to say:

“Thank you, Academy. Thank you, Sheila Nevins, Sara Bernstein, my producer Elinor Burkett and my incredible crew.

And my mother Betty… she got on a plane for the first time in her life to be here – I love you, Mom!

And Prudence Mahbena…

Prudence was born in a country that despises the disabled. Prudence, you had nothing… nothing but spirit, intelligence, and talent. And with your band Liyana you touched us all.

Liyana means It’s raining, which in Zimbabwe is a gift from God.
We don’t always recognize the gifts we get and Prudence, I’m so very happy to be a part of recognizing you tonight.

I love you!!”

Tags | acceptance speech, Oscar, Prudence Mabhena, Roger Ross Williams