Sally Field, the acclaimed actress with a career spanning over five decades, recently took the opportunity to clarify the meaning behind her iconic acceptance speech from the 1985 Academy Awards. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Field reflected on the emotions tied to her second Oscar win for her role in *Places in the Heart* and highlighted the specific sentiments she aimed to convey during that memorable moment.
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Field first garnered critical acclaim when she won the Best Actress Oscar for her unexpected triumph in *Norma Rae* in 1979. However, the second time she stood on stage in 1985, the actress sought to savour every moment of the experience, a stark contrast to her initial win, which she described as overwhelming and numb. “The first time I won for Norma, it was so unexpected. I had come out of nowhere,” stated Field, who is now 79 years old. She admitted that the shock rendered her unable to fully engage with the elation of the occasion.
When she received the Oscar for her role as widowed Edna Spalding, Field wanted not just to accept the honour but to truly embrace the significance of her achievement. “I had to have a moment of allowing myself to feel that I had done something, that I had conquered something that was so hard for me to do,” she explained. Her acceptance speech, which has become infamous over the years, eloquently outlined her journey in a rather unconventional career.
Standing in front of her peers and holding the precious award, Field remarked on how much more significant this occasion was compared to her first win. She acknowledged the support of her cast and family before delivering the now-famous lines that have often been misquoted. “I want to say thank you to you… but this time I feel it. And I can’t deny the fact that you like me! Right now, you like me!”
Field expressed her desire to take ownership of that victorious moment. “I wanted to take this moment and see it and own it for myself,” she remarked, adding a touch of introspection to her words. She noted that while the phrase has been misrepresented countless times, the essence of her statement was a personal affirmation—a moment of self-acknowledgment amidst the glow of public recognition.
Despite being known for her heartfelt performances and significant contributions to film, Field admitted that she hadn’t prepared for her speech due to a long-held superstition against planning such talks, believing it would bring bad luck. “It became this whole thing, but the reality is that I was talking to myself,” she clarified, underscoring the personal nature of her victory speech.
Beyond her celebrated past, Field continues to evolve as an actress and now stars in Netflix’s upcoming film, *Remarkably Bright Creatures*. She portrays Tova, a widow who develops an unexpected companionship with an octopus named Marcellus while managing a local aquarium. The film, which is based on the bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt, is set to stream from May 8.
Recognising the depth of the story, Field remarked on the book’s themes: “It’s a lovely, lovely little book about healing, about family, and an homage to sea creatures.” Her commitment to meaningful roles is evident, as she expressed her eagerness to join the project after only reading a few chapters of the book.
Through her latest role and continued engagement with audiences, Field embodies a spirit of resilience and exploration. As she reflects on her storied past, she also embraces the present, ready to connect with viewers on new levels. For fans eager to explore the reflections and anecdotes from her remarkable career, Field’s feature in PEOPLE is currently available on newsstands.
In a world that often glosses over sincerity, Field’s words remind us of the profound impact of recognition—both from others and oneself. Her journey in the entertainment industry illustrates not only her talent but also her enduring quest for validation and connection, themes that resonate with many beyond the realm of Hollywood.