The 1999 Oscars: Random Quotes

”Joe [Fiennes] is the lucky one. He got to sleep with Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett [above]. I only got an Oscar nomination.”
Geoffrey Rush, Fiennes’ costar in both Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love

”Getting past Joan Rivers.”
Val Kilmer, on what he was most looking forward to on Oscar night

”I strategically picked a [date] to whom all the attention would go.”
Edward Norton, who arrived at the ceremonies with Drew Barrymore

”It’s sort of intimidating, and I have to pee really bad.”
Christina Ricci, arriving at the ceremony

”I have no expectation to win, so I can just relax and enjoy it.”
Nominee Brenda Blethyn

”I always loved hats all of my life.”
Celine Dion, trying to explain her outfit

”Last shallow question before Geena Davis.”
A sign held by E! commentator Joan Rivers to lure celebrities

”Oh, I know who you are.”
Nick Nolte, upon meeting Mike Myers at the Miramax party

”Quite honestly, if I had the money to spend, I would spend it.”
Elizabeth director Shekhar Kapur, on rumors that Miramax’s overzealous marketing campaign helped lock the Best Picture win for Shakespeare in Love

”I can’t imagine an Academy member like myself being influenced by advertisements.”
Shakespeare in Love director John Madden, dismissing the same talk

”I found myself vaguely aroused.”
Adam Goldberg, on Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s hand-holding duet

”We met a couple of years ago at the Oscars, so we feel like this whole night is for us, not to take anything away from the nominees or anything.”
Anne Heche, celebrating her two-year anniversary with Ellen DeGeneres

”Oh, it smells good!”
Gloria Stuart (Titanic), entering the Governors Ball

”I hope he lives forever and spreads his joy across every generation.”
Camryn Manheim, on Roberto Benigni

”I don’t think I have time to talk to the Pope now.”
Roberto Benigni, when asked if he expected to receive congratulations from His Holiness

”When it was over for me.”
Best Original Song nominee Dianne Warren, on her favorite moment during the ceremony