The Oscars have long been a pinnacle of glitz and glamour, but they are also no stranger to controversies that have shocked and captivated audiences over the years. From mix-ups to slaps, the Academy Awards have seen it all. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most scandalous moments in Oscars history.
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One of the most historic moments in Oscar history involved Hattie McDaniel, who became the first Black actor to win an Oscar in 1940 for her role in “Gone With the Wind.” However, her plaque went missing after her death in 1952, leading to a long search before the Academy replaced it in 2023.
In 1969, Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn tied for Best Actress, marking the first-ever tie in Oscars history. While Streisand accepted the award, Hepburn was notably absent from the ceremony, a pattern she had previously established.
Marlon Brando made waves in 1973 when he declined his Best Actor award for “The Godfather,” sending Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to protest on his behalf against the portrayal of Native Americans in the film industry.
The Oscars took an unexpected turn in 1974 when Robert Opel streaked across the stage during the ceremony, shocking both the audience and host David Niven. The incident was later revealed to be a commentary on performance art.
Angelina Jolie caused a stir at the 2000 Oscars when she kissed her brother, James Haven, on the red carpet and then professed her love for him during her acceptance speech after winning Best Supporting Actress for “Girl, Interrupted.”
In 2003, Adrien Brody surprised everyone, including presenter Halle Berry, when he kissed her on stage after winning Best Actor for “The Pianist.” Berry later revealed that the moment was unplanned and left her in shock.
The unforgettable mix-up at the 2017 Oscars, where “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of the actual winner, “Moonlight,” will be forever etched in Oscars history. The awkward exchange on stage left both the audience and viewers bewildered.
The Oscars faced criticism in 2015 for lack of diversity, leading to the viral hashtag #OscarsSoWhite after all acting nominations went to White actors. The backlash prompted the Academy to take steps towards diversifying its membership.
In 2022, the Oscars made headlines again when Will Smith slapped host Chris Rock live on stage in response to a joke about his wife. The shocking incident led to Smith being banned from the Oscars for 10 years and sparked a heated debate among viewers.
As the 97th annual Academy Awards approaches, the anticipation is high, with controversies already brewing. Karla Sofía Gascón, star of “Emilia Pérez,” plans to attend despite past offensive tweets, reigniting discussions about accountability and representation in the film industry.
The Oscars have a long history of shocking moments that have kept viewers on the edge of their seats. As Hollywood’s biggest night approaches, the world eagerly awaits to see what new controversies and unforgettable moments will unfold on the grand stage of the Academy Awards.