Hannah Beachler’s Oscar Speech for Best Production Design Inspires

As you can see in my Top 10 Best Production Design of 2018 post, I too loved the production design of Black Panther with all my heart. I’m also a big fan of Hannah Beachler and have been for some time.

I was hoping and expecting production designer Hannah Beachler and set decorator Jay Hart would take home the Oscar for Best Production Design. However, I was not expecting Hannah Beachler’s Oscar speech to be so beautiful and inspiring to so many.

It was a historic win for Hannah Beachler as the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Production Design and the second win ever for a Marvel Studios film. The first being Ruth Carter for Best Costume Design of Black Panther handed out moments before.

It’s a shame the Academy cut off Jay Hart as he was thanking his crew, so I have posted his speech below, recorded after they went backstage.

For a list of all the nominees and winners of the 84th Academy Awards, click here.

Behind the scenes of Black Panther

Moments after calling wrap, Black Panther Production Designer Hannah Beachler took to the floor to relax for a minute.

Watch Production Designer Hannah Beachler Give Her Best Production Design Oscar Speech

A Transcript of Hannah Beachler’s Oscar Speech:

“New Orleans, you hear me?!

I want to thank all of the nominees in this category for the extraordinary worlds that they built this year- I’m so honoured to be a part of that. Thank you so much.

Ryan Coogler.

I stand here stronger than I was yesterday. I stand here with agency and self-worth because of Ryan Coogler — who not only made me a better designer, a better storyteller, a better person. I stand here because of this man who offered me a different perspective of life. Who offered me a safe space. Who is patient and gave me air, humanity, and brotherhood. Thank you Ryan, I love you.

I am stronger because of Marvel who gave me the opportunity to do my best, who supported the vision of this film and lifted us up everyday. Victoria Alonso, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito and the man with the best laugh ever, Nate Moore. Thank you.

And I am stronger because of an art department crew who led with their hearts and brought their experiences, talent, courage, humility, and hard work to the table. Supervising Art Director Alan Hook and Set Decorator Jay Hart: Thank you.

I am stronger today because of this wonderful cast who everyday stepped into this world and breathed life into it. Because of Ruth Carter and Rachel Morrison and everything they did behind the camera with me.

I am stronger because of a woman, because of a woman who supported me everyday that I wanted to give up. This is for you, my friend Carol Trevino. Rest in power.

I am stronger because of my family who supported me through the roughest of times.

I give this strength to all of those who come next. To keep going, to never give up, and when you think it’s impossible, just remember to say this piece of advice I got from a very wise woman:

‘I did my best, and my best is good enough.’”

Off-Stage Thank You Cam with Set Decorator Jay Hart and Hannah Beachler

“I did my best and my best is good enough.” - Hannah Beachler, Production Designer Click To Tweet

Posted by Rose Lagacé

Rose Lagacé is a production designer for film & television by day and an emerging filmmaker by night. Rose is also the creator and editor of Art Departmental where she celebrates the art and craft of production design.

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