Comedy //

Inside Sam Smith’s speechwriting process

Mary Ward won best screenplay for this

Scene: Sam Smith and his management are placing the final touches on his Oscars speech.

SS: “Okay, so I want to say that I am proud to be the first gay man to ever win an Oscar–”

M: “But, what about Sir Elton John?”

SS: “Okay, how about I say that I am proud to be the first openly gay man to ever win an Oscar–”

M: “I’m pretty sure Sir Elton John was out when he won.”

SS: “What about the first openly gay, British man to ever win an Oscar?”

M: “Elton John.”

SS: “I know, I’m the first openly gay, British man to ever win the Oscar for Best Song!”

M: “Elton John. Can You Feel the Love Tonight. 1994.” SS: “Eh, I’ll chance it. No one fact checks this stuff.”