LUCY NICHOLSON/REUTERS
Jared Leto opened the Oscars with a speech as memorable as his award-winning performance.
The 42-year-old star - who received the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award as a ftransgendered woman in "Dallas Buyers Club" - began his speech by telling the audience about a teenage girl from Louisana. He described her as a high school dropout and single mom who "somehow managed to make a better life for herself and her children," and encouraged them to "be creative and work hard and do something special."
RELATED: CLOSEST ACADEMY AWARDS IN YEARS KICKS OFF That woman, he revealed, was his mother Constance, who accompanied him to the Oscars as his date along with Leto's brother Shannon.
"Thank you for teaching me to dream," he told his mom.
PHOTOS: ACADEMY AWARDS RED CARPET 2014 Leto also noted the telecast's worldwide viewing audience, making special care to recognize the embattled nations of Ukraine and Venezuela.
"As you struggle to make your dreams happen to live the impossible, we're thinking of you tonight," Leto said.
The actor wrapped up his speech by acknowledging the "36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS," as well as "who ever felt injustice for who you are and who you love."
"Tonight I stand in front of the world for you," the first-time Oscar winner said.
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Amzing Moment: Oscars 2014: Jared Leto thanks his mother, acknowledges AIDS victims in Oscar ...