There's lots to love about the Oscars. Scores of 'Best Dressed Lists' flood Facebook feeds, Hollywood's A list-ers make witty quips as they saunter down the red carpet and, once in a while, Neil Patrick Harris struts on stage in nothing but his tighty whities. It was a great night and the millions of people that tune into watch couldn't agree more. Occasionally, the celebrations take on a more sombre note and acceptance speeches become a powerful medium to inspire change. The Oscars this year were no different. And here are the speeches we should all sit up and take note of.

1. Patricia Arquette on the gender pay gap

The 46-year old Boyhood actress took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. But not before she decided to put her speech time to good use. As gender inequality continues to plague the industry, Arquette spoke out against it and everything it stands for.
"To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America.”

2. John Legend and Common on racism

They won Best Original Song for 'Glory' and as they accepted their awards, John Legend and Common asked the audience to remember that the theme of the movie, Selma, is still a reality.
"...We wrote this song for a film that was based on events that were 50 years ago, but we say Selma is now, because the struggle for justice is right now. We know that the voting rights, the act that they fought for 50 years ago is being compromised right now in this country today. We know that right now the struggle for freedom and justice is real."