One moving, important Oscars acceptance speech just made history.

by Mamamia Celebrity February 23, 2015

Bravo, Patricia Arquette.

The Oscars are watched by millions of people around the world every year. From the dresses to the monologue, the memorials and the winners, it’s easily the biggest event in Hollywood.

Which makes it the perfect setting to make an important political statement.

Patricia Arquette. Image via Getty.

So when a talented, incredible actress addresses the gender pay gap in her acceptance speech, people take notice.

That’s exactly what Best Supporting Actress winner and total legend Patricia Arquette just did.

Watch it here (post continues after video):

46-year-old Boyhood actress Patricia Arquette won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Academy Awards, and she used her precious speech time to make a powerful statement about gender inequality.

After accepting her award and thanking her family and cast members, Patricia launched into a passionate speech that had the crowd standing and cheering.

We think Meryl Streep’s reaction sums it up perfectly.

If you want to look through all the fabulous dresses and fancy tuxedos from this year’s Oscars red carpet, click through the gallery below.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Gwyneth Paltrow is growing giant roses on her shoulders now. So Gwyneth.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Jennifer Lopez's ethereal gold dress is no-joke straight from heaven.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Benedict Cumberbatch has arrived. Countdown to his first photo bomb.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Rita Ora goes full-blown classic glamour. Nails it. Seriously - wow.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

It's official: Cate Blanchett can do no wrong. This dress, hair, jewellery. Perf.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Nicole Kidman alert: New hair, big sparkle, thigh-high dress split.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Julianne Moore looks like a beautiful wedding cake. Give her ALL OF THE OSCARS.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Gwyneth is coming. She is near. We can sense it.

Adrien Brody.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Reese Witherspoon also got arrested for being drunk and belligerant! But she still looks like butter wouldn't melt.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

WOAH. Sienna Miller. This is fierce, woman. FIERCE.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Zoe Saldana becomes the first person to pull off a beige gown.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Rosamund Pike has a very white leg.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

John Stamos walks onto the red carpet / straight into our hearts. JOHN STAMOS.

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Eddie Redmayne in a tux: Too handsome?

2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Boobs or leg? Chrissie Teigan has thrown out the old rule book and gone with both.