Who is Gilberto Coronel I wondered as I read his glowing, over-the-top story about Adrien Brody’s acceptance speech at the Oscar’s ceremony on Sunday? Brody was named best actor just about the time I was thinking about heading off to bed.

Gilberto seemed to think it was a speech for the ages.

He wrote: “Adrien Brody’s acceptance speech at the Oscars was not just a moment of personal triumph but a historic event in the annals of the Academy Awards.”

Is this guy lobbying to be Brody’s press secretary, I thought when I saw the commentary on my newsfeed. It was embarrassingly sycophantic.

Gilberto continued: “His speech was a blend of heartfelt thanks and personal anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the actor’s world. Brody’s ability to engage the audience with his sincerity and passion was evident, as he took the time to acknowledge the people who supported him throughout his career. This moment was not just about breaking a record but about connecting with viewers on a personal level.”

Wow, that wasn’t how I saw it.

I saw someone take a wad of gum out of his mouth and throw it at his partner before stepping onto the stage. I guess he never learned how to swallow quickly when—in the olden days—you were caught by the teacher with a wad in your mouth. Everyone else appeared to respect the 45-second time limit allowed to say thanks. Brody seemed to think that what he had to say was more important than the rules. He even chided the musicians for trying to indicate he should move on.

Maybe manners aren’t his strong suit; he should have moved on.

Perhaps Brody’s conduct grated on my nerves more than usual because the world had just lost a fine and humble actor, Gene Hackman.

Here’s what Hackman had to say when he won his first Oscar for The French Connection in 1972:

“Thank you. [Looking at his name in the winner envelope:] That’s what it says.

“Thank you very much. I just want to start at the beginning just for a second and say, sitting out there next to Barbara Harris reminds me of my first acting scene ever. It was in New York, and the gentlemen sitting in front of us when we were doing that scene was my acting teacher, and I just have to mention his name: George Morrison. I want to thank him. Also, Mr. Billy Friedkin, who has already received his prize tonight, but I have to thank him because he really brought me through this when I wanted to quit. And Eddie Egan, who you all know. Mr. Phil D’Antoni. Roy Scheider, Roy. And last, a young lady who I met in New York many years ago, Miss Felippa* Maltese, and she brought me uptown. Thank you.”

After Mercedes Ruehl presented the second academy award to Hackman in 1993 for The Unforgiven, he said onstage, “Thank you very much. Quick thanks to David Valdes, our producer, David Peoples, our writer.”

“Oh, boy. All the wonderful actors,” he added, naming his co-stars Richard Harris, Morgan Freeman, Frances Fisher and Clint Eastwood, who also directed the film. Of Eastwood, Hackman said, “Clint, who kind of made it all possible for me and for everyone else in the film. It was a wonderful experience.”

Hackman then dedicated his award to his “wonderful” uncle Orin Hackman, who died one day before the ceremony.

The demeanor and professionalism of some actors, like Gene Hackman, are worth remembering. The acceptance speeches of others, not so much.