From Christopher Nolan’s emotional Heath Ledger tribute to Lily Gladstone breaking into the Blackfoot language, the 81st Golden Globes witnessed moving acceptance speeches by stars on a night that begins the Hollywood awards season. Here are snippets from five best acceptance speeches at the awards ceremony.

Ayo Edebiri's heartfelt thanks to the unsung heroes

Ayo Edebiri, who won a Golden Globe for the best actress in a television comedy series for her role in The Bear, expressed gratitude to the unsung heroes behind the scenes, particularly assistants, in her acceptance speech. “All of my agents and managers’ assistants, the people who answer my emails, y’all are real ones. Thank you for answering my crazy, crazy emails. I’m really, really grateful,” she said.

Lily Gladstone speaks in Blackfoot language

Lily Gladstone made history at the Golden Globes by becoming the first Native American woman to secure the best actress award. Delivering part of her speech in the Blackfoot language, Gladstone expressed her honour in being entrusted with a story belonging to the Osage nation. “This is a historic win; it doesn’t just belong to me,” she said, adding, “I am holding it right now, I am holding it with all of my beautiful sisters in the film, at this table over here and my mother [in the film] Tantoo Cardinal, standing on all your shoulders.”

Cillian Murphy's joke about Oppenheimer set

Cillian Murphy, who clinched the best actor (drama) award for his role in Oppenheimer, took a light-hearted approach in his acceptance speech. Reflecting on his collaboration with director Christopher Nolan, Murphy joked about the lack of seating options on the set, humorously affirming his trust in Nolan's visionary direction. “I knew the first time I walked on a Chris Nolan set that it was different. I could tell by the level of rigour, the level of focus, the level of dedication, the complete lack of any seating options for actors, that I was in the hands of a visionary director and master,” he quipped.

Christopher Nolan’s nostalgic tribute to Heath Ledger

Christopher Nolan, crowned best director for Oppenheimer, used his moment in the spotlight to honour the late Heath Ledger. Recalling the complexity and challenge of accepting awards on behalf of Ledger for The Dark Knight in 2008, Nolan shared a touching memory. “The only time I've ever been on this stage before was accepting one of these on behalf of our dear friend, Heath Ledger, and that was complicated and challenging for me. And in the middle of speaking, I looked down at Robert Downey Jr., who gave me a look of support. The same look he’s giving me now — the same love and support he showed so many people in your community over the years,” the filmmaker said.

Margot Robbie calls movie theatres the greatest place on earth

Barbie secured its position in history by clinching the first-ever Golden Globe award in the cinematic and box-office achievement category. The film’s producer and lead actress, Margot Robbie, graciously accepted the trophy on behalf of the cast and crew, delivering an emotionally charged speech. Robbie, who sported the look of 1977 Superstar Barbie, dedicated the victory to “every individual across the globe who dressed up and ventured to the most extraordinary place on earth: the movie theatres,” while Gerwig expressed her gratitude to “all the Barbies and Kens both in front of and behind the screen.”