The Academy Awards, synonymous with glamour and the highest accolades in the film industry, have a storied history stretching back to their inception in 1929. While these ceremonies celebrate cinematic achievements, they have frequently been intertwined with dramatic and controversial events that resonate deeply within popular culture. With the 98th annual Oscars set to unfold on March 15, 2025, a look back at some infamous moments reveals the Academy’s capacity for the unexpected.
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One of the earliest instances of controversy occurred in 1940 when Hattie McDaniel made history as the first Black actor to receive an Oscar, winning for her role in *Gone with the Wind*. Despite her achievement, McDaniel was seated separately due to the strict segregation rules of the time. Following her death in 1952, she willed her Oscar plaque to Howard University, which unfortunately went missing shortly thereafter. In 2023, the Academy provided a replacement plaque during a ceremony to honour McDaniel’s trailblazing career and legacy.
Another memorable moment came in 1969 when Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn shared the Best Actress award, marking the first tie in Oscar history. Streisand accepted her award for *Funny Girl*, while Hepburn, nominated for *The Lion in Winter*, was absent and so did not take the stage. This unusual occurrence highlighted the unpredictability that surrounds the Oscars.
In 1973, Marlon Brando’s decision to decline his Best Actor award for *The Godfather* made a significant statement about Native American representation in Hollywood. Brando sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the honour on his behalf, prompting her to read a letter detailing his objections to how Native Americans had been portrayed in the cinematic landscape.
Further adding to the Oscars’ reputation for the unexpected came in 1974, when English teacher Robert Opel streaked across the stage during the ceremony, much to the bewilderment of host David Niven. This act of performance art has since been interpreted as a social commentary, turning what should have been a dignified moment into a highlight of Oscar infamy.
The Academy Awards have also seen moments of familial affection turn controversial. At the 72nd Oscars in 2000, Angelina Jolie made headlines when she kissed her brother, James Haven, on the lips while on the red carpet and later expressed her joy at winning for *Girl, Interrupted*. Although her comments sparked debates on appropriateness, Jolie later clarified that her words merely reflected her deep bond with her brother amidst the pressures of the awards show.
A shocking impromptu moment occurred during the 2003 ceremony when Adrien Brody, upon winning the Best Actor award for *The Pianist*, kissed presenter Halle Berry without prior warning. Berry later recounted her surprise at the unexpected gesture, indicating that it was unscripted, which has since added to the lore of the Oscars’ most spontaneous incidents.
However, one of the most bewildering events arrived in 2017 during what has infamously been dubbed “envelopegate.” When Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty mistakenly announced *La La Land* as Best Picture, it was soon revealed that the actual winner was *Moonlight*. The confusion led to a chaotic but ultimately memorable acceptance speech from the rightful winners, capturing the urgency and unpredictability of live television.
In recent years, the Oscars have faced scrutiny over their lack of diversity. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite gained traction in 2015 after an all-White acting nominee lineup sparked outrage. This led to calls for significant changes within the Academy, highlighting the ongoing need for increased diversity and representation in Hollywood.
In 2022, the ceremony was overshadowed by an altercation between Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock. After Rock made a comment regarding Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, linked to her struggles with alopecia, Smith infamously slapped Rock on stage. This incident, described by Smith as a “horrific night,” resulted in a decade-long ban for the actor from the Oscars.
Most recently, actress Karla Sofia Gascón drew attention for her decision to attend the 2025 Oscars amid backlash over her past social media posts. Gascón, nominated for her role in *Emilia Pérez*, had faced criticism for comments deemed offensive, leading her to initially withdraw from public appearances during awards season. Nonetheless, she chose to attend the event, representing a significant moment in her career as the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for Best Actress.
As the film industry prepares for this year’s Academy Awards, the spotlight remains not just on the accolades but also on the unpredictable moments that accompany them. The Oscars will undoubtedly continue to reflect the complexities of Hollywood and its intersection with societal issues, reminding audiences that this prestigious event is as much about culture and context as it is about cinema.