I was very glad to see that Jamie Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles. I haven’t seen the movie itself yet but I have seen a few of his other movies and judging from the clips of Ray that I’ve seen, it is apparent that Jamie is a very talented actors. But even more important, I am also very impressed with him as a human being.

Specifically, many have called his acceptance speech last night the highlight of the entire Oscar show. The people included and the subjects that framed his success were very heartfelt and poignant. First he thanked Ray Charles for his brilliant artistry and equally significant life story. Then he thanked Sidney Poitier for blazing the trail in which he and other prominent Black actors are now following and enjoying success. He also thanked his daughter who told him, “If you don’t win, Dad, don’t worry. You’re still good.”

But most significantly and most emotionally, he thanked his grandmother who raised as a boy, taught him how to be “a southern gentleman,” as he put it, and how to be a human being. He was in tears as he thanked her for everything she did for him, and his message was loud, clear, and deeply touching.

Jamie Foxx clearly has his priorities set straight and his reverance for those who helped him get to where he is and who are his biggest supporters is truly heartfelt and genuine. Include me as a new fan of Jamie Foxx.