We’d like to thank you … for being riveting, concise and getting off, Oscar winners told

OSCAR nominees have been instructed not to thank their managers or agents in acceptance speeches because the audience finds it boring.

It is customary for winners to reel off a long list of thanks to the individuals who helped them get where they are today.

But at a nominees luncheon in Hollywood, Will Packer, the producer of the televised ceremony, said winners must think of the viewers at home.

“They don’t know your agents, they don’t know your managers, your lawyers or any of the other moochers that you pay a percentage to. Frankly, the audience doesn’t care,” Packer said.

“But you know what they do care about? They care about you, they care about your story, they care about your passion. Lean into that. Talk about that. That is accessible from Detroit to Dubai.

Also, be quick.” Amid declining viewing figures, the running time for this year’s event has been cut to try to make it more palatable to an audience at home.

Speeches should be short and sweet, Mr Packer told the nominees, and no time to faff about grasping for something

‘They care about you, your story, your passion. Lean into that. Talk about that. Also, be quick’

to say. “The time on stage comes and goes quick. You’ve got a 20 per cent chance of winning. Get optimistic. If you don’t have a speech prepared, you should.” Guests at the lunch event included Best Actor nominees Benedict Cumberbatch, Denzel Washington, Andrew Garfield and Javier Bardem, and Best Actress contenders Penelope Cruz, Kristen Stewart and Jessica

Chastain. One of the shortest acceptance speeches in Oscars history was delivered by Joe Pesci, Best Supporting Actor winner for Goodfellas in 1991, who said simply: “It’s my privilege. Thank you.”

Others have been reluctant to leave the stage. Cuba Gooding Jr was drowned out by the orchestra as he continued to thank his team, his family, his co-stars and God, yelling: “Everybody who’s involved with this – I love you!”

The most memorable speeches are often the ones filled with emotion, whether that be Sally Field gushing: “You like me!” when she won for Places in the Heart in 1985; Gwyneth Paltrow sobbing as she accepted the prize for Shakespeare in Love in 1999; or Roberto Benigni clambering over the seats in 1999 after hearing his name announced for Life Is Beautiful.

The 94th Academy Awards are at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on March 28.