Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Accepting the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in Whiplash, Simmons said:
"Wow, thank you. Thank you to the Academy. Thank you to everyone involved in the making of Whiplash.
"And I am grateful everyday for the most remarkable person I know: my wife, the wonderful Michelle Schumacher. I’m grateful for your love, your kindness, your wisdom, your sacrifice and your patience.
"Which brings me to the above-average children—even though I may try their patience more. Joe and Olivia, you are extraordinary human beings. Smart, funny, kind, loving people and that’s because you are a reflection of your mother.
"And if I may, call your mom, everybody. I’ve told this [to], like, a billion people, or so.
"Call your mom, call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call ‘em. Don’t text. Don’t email. Call them on the phone. Tell ‘em you love ‘em, and thank them, and listen to them for as long as they want to talk to you. Thank you. Thank you, Mom and Dad."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments