Actor Delivers Impassioned Oscar Acceptance Speech About God and Gratitude: 'Not of My Hand or of Any Other Human Hand

Actor Matthew McConaughey surprised Oscar viewers with an impassioned acceptance speech for his best actor win Sunday night -- an address during which he thanked God and said that the blessings in his life have come from the Almighty and not from any "human hand."

After thanking his fellow cast and crew, McConaughey, who won for his role as AIDS patient Ron Woodroof in "Dallas Buyers Club," told the audience that he has three things he needs each day: something to look up to, something to look forward to and someone to chase.

It was his comments about who he looks up to, though, that captured the most attention.

"First off, I want to thank God, because that's who I look up to. He has graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or of any other human hand," McConaughey said. "He has shown me that ... it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates. In the words of the late Charlie Laughton who said, 'When you've got God you've got a friend -- and that friend is you.'"

He also thanked his mother, wife and family. Watch the acceptance speech below:

The actor's mention of God went well beyond the general "thank you" most performers offer up to the Almighty during acceptance speeches, leading to a variety of reactions from the public.

Here's what some people were saying on social media in the wake of McConaughey's speech:

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/LaineyGossip/status/440349170222653440"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/ChristineTatum/status/440359713184575488"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/dowsteve/status/440350233130582016"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/jamiegraceh/status/440352303229313024"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/maggs06/status/440350103292096512"]

What do you think? Let us know below.

(H/T: Twitchy)

--

Follow Billy Hallowell on Facebook and Twitter