Oscars 2025: A Look Back at the Most Shocking Moments in Academy Awards History
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and anticipation is already building for what promises to be a night filled with drama. Among the expected highlights, nominee Timothee Chalamet is rumoured to be bringing fashion icon Kylie Jenner as his date, while Conan O'Brien will host following the tragic murder of his friend Rob Reiner. Additionally, Barbra Streisand is scheduled to pay tribute to her late The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford, and fashion icons Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow will be presenting awards.
Unforgettable Controversies and Bizarre Incidents
Throughout its storied 97-year history, the Oscars have delivered an array of truly shocking moments that have captivated audiences worldwide. From Will Smith slapping Chris Rock to Jennifer Lopez going bra-free in a sheer dress and Angelina Jolie kissing her brother on the lips, these incidents have sparked outrage and intrigue. Last year, Demi Moore went viral for her stony-faced reaction after losing the Best Actress award to Mikey Madison in a surprise result. Here, we delve into some of the strangest occurrences from Hollywood's biggest night.
Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock, 2022
At the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, Will Smith violently slapped Chris Rock on stage after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, comparing her shaved head to Demi Moore in GI Jane. Pinkett Smith, who has publicly discussed her struggle with alopecia, appeared visibly annoyed. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air actor marched onto the stage and struck Rock, leaving the audience uncertain if it was a stunt. Despite the incident, Smith received applause when he later won the Best Actor award for King Richard.
Angelina Jolie Kissing Her Brother on the Lips, 2000
Angelina Jolie, then 24 years old, was the belle of the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000 after winning the Best Supporting Actress award for Girl, Interrupted. In a moment that sparked major controversy, she kissed her brother, James Haven, on the lips during an embrace while both wore matching black attire. Some fans felt the gesture bordered on incestuous, though Jolie later clarified that it was purely platonic.
Jennifer Aniston Presenting in Front of Ex Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, 2009
At the 81st Academy Awards in 2009, Jennifer Aniston, wearing a strapless golden gown and accompanied by boyfriend John Mayer, took the stage to present an Oscar. She was forced to look down at her ex-husband Brad Pitt and his then-girlfriend Angelina Jolie, who reportedly split up Pitt and Aniston after co-starring in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The couple divorced in 2005, and Pitt and Jolie later married in 2014 before divorcing in 2019.
Jennifer Lopez Wearing a See-Through Top, 2001
In 2001, Jennifer Lopez, fresh from films like The Wedding Planner and Angel Eyes, presented at the 73rd Oscars. She turned heads on the red carpet by going bra-free in a Zuhair Murad gown with a sheer top and a non-see-through bottom, accompanied by husband Cris Judd. When she presented on stage, the camera zoomed in closely on her face, avoiding her chest.
A Streaker Running Across the Stage, 1974
During the 46th Academy Awards in 1974, host David Niven was about to introduce Elizabeth Taylor when a naked man, photographer Robert Opel, ran across the stage. Niven quipped, 'Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?' Fifty years later, at the 2024 Oscars, host Jimmy Kimmel and John Cena coordinated a streaker moment, though Cena presented the Costume Design Oscar nearly naked with only an envelope covering himself.
Halle Berry Being Passionately Kissed by Adrien Brody, 2003
At the 75th Oscars in 2003, Adrien Brody unexpectedly dipped Halle Berry and planted a passionate kiss on her after she announced his Best Actor win for The Pianist. Berry later revealed in an interview that the kiss was unplanned, leaving her shocked and thinking, 'What the f*** is happening?'
Anne Hathaway Hosting with James Franco, 2011
When Anne Hathaway and James Franco co-hosted the 83rd Oscars in 2011, the pairing was notably awkward. Hathaway appeared enthusiastic, while Franco seemed dazed, leading to accusations that he was 'stoned' or disinterested. Hathaway was criticised for 'trying too hard,' and the telecast is often cited as one of the worst in Oscar history.
Nicole Kidman Clapping Weirdly, 2017
Nicole Kidman, wearing a gold gown and accompanied by husband Keith Urban at the 2017 Oscars, drew attention for her unusual clapping style. She held her fingers back and used only the palms of her hands, as if protecting a manicure, leading to widespread ridicule and memes.
Gwyneth Paltrow Crying on Stage During Her Win, 1999
Gwyneth Paltrow sobbed almost nonstop after winning Best Actress at the 71st Oscars for Shakespeare in Love. On the podcast Call Her Daddy in 2023, she reflected that this moment marked a pivot in public perception, feeling that people turned on her after the win. She also made a fashion statement in a pink Ralph Lauren gown, drawing comparisons to Grace Kelly.
Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn Tie, 1969
At the 41st Academy Awards in 1969, there was a surprising tie for Best Actress between Barbra Streisand for Funny Girl and Katharine Hepburn for The Lion in Winter. Streisand, a newcomer, attended in a sheer black outfit, while the legendary Hepburn was absent.
Roberto Benigni Walking on Chairs, 1999
Italian actor Roberto Benigni caused a stir at the 71st Oscars in 1999 when he walked on the backs of seats after his film Life Is Beautiful won Best Foreign Film. Though some suspected it was pre-planned, it was a spontaneous display of exuberance that he was mocked for, though his career continued with roles in films like To Rome with Love.
Neil Patrick Harris Walking on Stage Nude, 2015
Hosting the 87th Oscars in 2015, Neil Patrick Harris performed a gag where he appeared nearly nude in small white underwear, intended as a tribute to the film Birdman. However, audiences criticised it as a mere showcase of his physique, and his hosting duties were poorly received, leading to a career downturn.
Auli'i Cravalho Getting Hit in the Head, 2017
During a performance of How Far I'll Go from Moana at the 2017 Oscars, 16-year-old Auli'i Cravalho was accidentally hit in the head by a flag wielded by a background dancer. She continued performing without missing a beat.
Marlon Brando Sending an Activist to Decline His Award, 1973
In a historic move at the 45th Oscars in 1973, Marlon Brando won Best Actor for The Godfather but sent Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award in protest. Brando, who had previously won an Oscar for On the Waterfront, used the platform to highlight social issues.
