Oscars Blunders: From Envelopegate to Streakers and Slaps
The Oscars have consistently served as a magnet for scandal, where Hollywood's elite take the stage and often reveal more than audiences anticipate. From Cuba Gooding Jr. defiantly shouting over play-off music to the political statements of icons like Marlon Brando and Vanessa Redgrave, the awards ceremony has always generated chatter for weeks. In 2022, the declining cultural significance of the Oscars received a jolt when nominee Will Smith stormed onstage and slapped host Chris Rock over a joke. However, some of the most remarkable fiascos at the Academy Awards stemmed from genuine errors, whether by stars or behind-the-scenes personnel. Winners have tripped on their way to accept prizes, presenters have announced incorrect victors, and a shocking security breach once led to a naked man sprinting across the stage. Now, we revisit the most significant blunders in Oscars history.
Envelopegate, 2017
Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty delivered a botched presentation of the 2017 Oscar for best picture, erroneously announcing La La Land as the winner. The moment was intended as a nostalgic tribute to Hollywood legacy, with the duo reuniting 50 years after Bonnie & Clyde. Yet, the event turned chaotic when Beatty opened the envelope and hesitated, confused. Dunaway, laughing, snatched the paper and confidently declared La La Land the victor. The La La Land team rushed onstage and began acceptance speeches, only to discover, mortified, that a mistake had occurred. Beatty and Dunaway had been given the best actress card, which stated Emma Stone won for La La Land. In reality, Moonlight had won best picture, forcing the La La Land producers to awkwardly hand over the trophy. Dunaway faced widespread criticism for the error, humiliating the winners globally. Two months later, she attempted to downplay the incident on television, partly blaming Beatty for the confusion.
The Original Envelopegate, 1964
Sammy Davis Jr., a global superstar in the Rat Pack, fell victim to a similar envelope mishap over half a century before Beatty and Dunaway. At the time, there were two awards for best score: one for adapted music and one for original compositions. Davis, meant to present the adapted score prize, was accidentally given the envelope for original score. He mistakenly announced John Addison as the winner for Tom Jones, causing audience confusion. An embarrassed Davis returned to the podium, winning back the crowd with a humorous remark about the NAACP. He then correctly announced Andre Previn as the winner for Irma La Douce, later joking about the blunder during the presentation.
Jennifer Lawrence's Stumble, 2013
When 22-year-old Jennifer Lawrence won the best actress Oscar in 2013 for Silver Linings Playbook, she reached the pinnacle of her rapid rise to fame—but first, she hit the floor. Excitedly heading to the stage in a lavish Dior couture gown, she tripped over the hem while ascending the stairs at the Dolby Theatre. She fell forward, covered her face, then regained composure to a standing ovation. With a self-deprecating smile, she thanked the audience, attributing the fall to her dress and waxed stairs. Backstage, she humorously explained the incident, highlighting the challenges of her voluminous attire.
The Streaker, 1974
A staggering security failure at the 1974 Oscars allowed the infamous streaker and gay rights activist Robert Opel to run onstage nude. David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor when Opel appeared behind him, flashing a peace sign. The audience reacted with shock and laughter, but Niven remained composed, quipping about the man's shortcomings. He continued his introduction, and Taylor later entered, joking that it was a hard act to follow. This moment underscored the unpredictable nature of live broadcasts.
Adele Dazeem, 2014
John Travolta coined a phrase that entered Oscars lore when he mangled Idina Menzel's name, introducing her as Adele Dazeem. Menzel, a Broadway star and voice lead in Frozen, was set to perform Let It Go. Travolta's flub became an instant meme, leading him to issue an apologetic statement. Menzel took it in stride, joining him the following year to present an award and humorously introducing him as Glom Gazingo. She later reflected that the error ultimately boosted her career by increasing her visibility.
To Be Frank, 1934
At the 1934 Oscars, two best director nominees shared the first name Frank: Frank Lloyd for Cavalcade and Frank Capra for Lady for a Day. Host Will Rogers simply said, Come on up and get it, Frank! prompting Capra to rush onstage, only to realize Lloyd had won. Capra described the walk back to his seat as the most humiliating of his life, with friends in tears. This early blunder highlighted the perils of ambiguous announcements.
Involuntary Manslaughter, 2017
During the In Memoriam segment at the 2017 Oscars, costume designer Janet Patterson was honored, but the photo displayed was of living producer Jan Chapman. Patterson, known for collaborations with Jane Campion, had her image replaced, leading Chapman to publicly clarify she was alive and well. Chapman expressed devastation over the error, noting Patterson's legacy as a four-time Oscar nominee. This mistake underscored the importance of accuracy in tribute reels.
'The First Openly Gay Man' to Win an Oscar, 2016
Sam Smith went viral for a factual error upon winning best original song for The Writing's on the Wall from Spectre. He claimed no openly gay man had ever won an Oscar, but this was incorrect; winners included Elton John and Dustin Lance Black. Smith later admitted he meant to specify best actor and apologized for the mistake. Incidentally, Smith now identifies as nonbinary, using they/them pronouns, adding a layer of complexity to the blunder.
Hello, Gorgeous, 1969
Barbra Streisand's best actress win at the 1969 Oscars for Funny Girl was historic, tied with Katharine Hepburn. She quipped Hello, gorgeous to her trophy, but her choice of a black sequined trouser suit by Arnold Scaasi backfired. Under stage lights, the outfit became transparent, a fact she only realized watching the broadcast later. Streisand recalled embarrassment, with her mother criticizing the attire, overshadowing her achievement.
The Oscars Heist, 2000
Weeks before the 2000 ceremony, 55 Oscar trophies were stolen from a loading dock. Replacement statues were hastily made, but in a twist, 52 were found in a dumpster by Willie Fulgear, who received a reward and an invitation to the Oscars. Years later, it was revealed the stolen trophies were for the following year's event and were destroyed to avoid handing out stolen awards. This incident highlighted security lapses in the awards' logistics.
