Sally Field’s 1985 Oscar acceptance speech is one of the most talked about moments in Academy Awards history. But for decades, her words have been repeatedly misquoted, leading to a widespread misunderstanding of her emotions that night. In a candid reflection, the legendary actress admitted that the persistent misinterpretation of her speech has frustrated her so much so that she once joked about wanting to “punch” those who got it wrong.
At the 57th Academy Awards, Sally Field won her second Best Actress Oscar for her performance in ‘Places in the Heart.’ Overwhelmed with gratitude, she expressed her joy with the now-famous words:
“I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!”
However, in the years that followed, her speech was frequently misquoted as:
“You like me! You really, really like me!”
The incorrect version of her speech quickly took on a life of its own, appearing in parodies, pop culture references, and even advertisements. While it became an iconic catchphrase, it also stripped Field’s words of their original meaning, turning a deeply personal moment into something more comedic and exaggerated.
Looking back on that night, Field explained in an interview with Variety that her words were not about seeking approval but rather a heartfelt acknowledgment of her journey in Hollywood. Winning her first Oscar for ‘Norma Rae’ in 1980 had been life-changing, but she still struggled with self-doubt and feelings of being an outsider in the industry.
Her 1985 win was different as it was a moment of validation, a sign that she was not only respected but truly embraced by her peers. The speech was a reflection of that emotion, an expression of relief and recognition after years of proving herself.
Field has admitted that the constant misquoting of her speech has been frustrating, especially when people mock it without understanding its real significance. She even jokingly confessed that hearing the wrong version over and over made her want to “punch” those who got it wrong.
Despite the decades long misinterpretation of her speech, Sally Field’s remarkable career has continued to flourish. From award-winning performances on the big screen to celebrated roles in television, she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Her accolades including two Academy Awards and multiple Emmy wins are a testament to her immense talent and perseverance.