Kathy Bates thought she left out her mom in her 1991 Oscar speech — until she saw the footage

Kathy Bates won the Oscar Award for Best Actress in 1991 for her exceptional performance as Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner's directorial "Misery." In her acceptance speech, a teary-eyed Bates expressed heartfelt gratitude for receiving the prestigious acting honor. However, for more than three decades, the "Summer Camp" actress regretted not thanking her mother that night. But, recently, in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the actress was shocked and relieved to know that she did actually thank her mother after her historic Oscar win.

During a candid conversation with journalist and TCM host, Ben Mankiewicz, Bates opened up about her Oscar moment and her mother Bertye Kathleen Bates' reaction. The "Matlock" actress recalled her mother saying, "I don't know what all the excitement's about. You didn't discover the cure for cancer," in reaction to her winning the Oscar. Bates added that she "forgot to thank" her mother in her acceptance speech, which perhaps upset Bertye. Mankiewicz disputed her claim and said, "You know, you did thank her at the end of your speech." However, Bates remained adamant until Mankiewicz showed her a clip of the speech, proving she had indeed thanked her mother.

"I’d like to thank my family, my friends. My mom at home, my dad, who I hope is watching somewhere," Bates was seen saying in the video clip. As soon as she heard that, the actress was shocked and put her hands to her mouth in total disbelief. "Oh, what a relief," a happy and emotional Bates said. During the same interview, when the "Titanic" actress was asked why mentioning her mother meant so much to her, Bates said, "Because she should've had my life." She mentioned her mother's death and how she was very close to her. "Even though we had so many difficulties, I wanted her spirit to come into me and enjoy everything I was enjoying because of what she'd given up," the actress added.

Realizing she hadn’t missed expressing gratitude to her parents, especially her mother, after her Oscar win must have felt like lifting a heavy burden Bates had carried for years. The revelation not only dispelled a long-held misconception but also helped ease any lingering regret about that momentous night. This heartwarming moment serves as a reminder of how memories can be tricky, especially in emotional moments, and how uncovering the truth, even years later, can bring unexpected peace.

Winning an Oscar is a dream every actor aspires to make a reality. Those fortunate enough to reach the Academy Awards are given the chance to deliver an acceptance speech— a moment they will cherish forever. This is why an acceptance speech at the Oscars holds such significance in an actor's life. On a related note, when Robert Downey Jr. received his first-ever Oscar Award in 2024, the "Dolittle" actor made sure to thank everyone he believed contributed to his win. What made his speech even more special was the way he addressed his wife, Susan, humorously calling her "veterinarian." The actor said, "I'd like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order. I'd like to thank my veterinarian—I meant wife—Susan Downey over there. She found me, a snarling rescue pet and loved me back to life. That's why I am here. Thank you."