Over the years, celebrities have often created unexpected moments at the Academy Awards, but few have sparked as much discussion as those on this list.
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre. In the days that follow, discussions will focus on whether the winners deserved their awards, who was snubbed, what the stars wore, and possibly, new scandals that will steal the spotlight.
The first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 16, 1929. Since then, many unpredictable events have unfolded—some amusing, others uncomfortable, and a few have become unforgettable controversies.
Here are some of the most shocking moments in Oscar history:
A Tie for Best Actress (1969)
In the 97-year history of the Oscars, there have been multiple ties, but none as famous as the one in 1969. That year, Hollywood veteran Katharine Hepburn and rising star Barbra Streisand shared the award for Best Actress.
Hepburn won for The Lion in Winter, while Streisand was honored for Funny Girl. Many agreed that 20-year-old Streisand deserved the award, but the decision to split it with a living legend shocked the industry.
Adding to the moment, Streisand wore the first-ever “naked dress” on the Oscars red carpet, ensuring that this night would never be forgotten.
Marlon Brando Rejects His Oscar (1973)
In 1973, Marlon Brando won Best Actor for his role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, but he refused to accept the award. Instead, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather, an actress of Native American descent, to take the stage and read his statement.
Brando’s message criticized Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. The audience booed, and backstage, John Wayne allegedly had to be restrained from physically attacking Littlefeather.
Cher’s Controversial Outfit (1986)
Fashion is always a major topic at the Oscars, and one of the most scandalous outfits came from Cher in 1986. She arrived wearing a low-waist skirt, a tiny top, and an extravagant feathered headpiece.
Designer Bob Mackie later revealed that Cher was upset about being snubbed for a nomination in Mask and wanted to provoke the Academy.
“People said, ‘That’s not fashion.’ I told them, ‘Of course not—it’s an attention-grabbing statement.’ And it worked! People still talk about it,” Mackie explained.
Angelina Jolie’s Kiss with Her Brother (2000)
When Angelina Jolie won Best Supporting Actress for Girl, Interrupted in 2000, she arrived on the red carpet with her brother, James Haven. The two had always been close, but they shocked everyone when they kissed on the lips in front of cameras.
Later that evening, Jolie gave a speech, saying she was “so in love with her brother,” further fueling speculation and controversy.
Björk’s Swan Dress (2001)
Icelandic singer Björk wore one of the most infamous outfits in Oscar history in 2001—a dress shaped like a swan.
The dress, designed by Marjan Pejoski, even included fake eggs that Björk dropped along the red carpet. Critics mocked her relentlessly, calling the look bizarre, ridiculous, and absurd.
Fashion commentator Steven Cojocaru called it “the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.” Meanwhile, Joan Rivers joked that Björk “should be committed to a mental hospital.”
However, some praised her originality—New York Observer described it as “pure genius,” and musician Melissa Etheridge defended Björk, saying, “It’s just a dress.”
The Wrong Best Picture Winner (2017)
The 2017 Oscars will forever be remembered for one of the biggest mistakes in award-show history.
Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway announced La La Land as the Best Picture winner. The film’s team came on stage and gave their speeches—only to find out that the actual winner was Moonlight.
Producer Jordan Horowitz had to interrupt the celebration, saying, “Guys, Moonlight won. This is not a joke.”
Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga’s Intimate Performance (2019)
The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born was undeniable. But when they performed “Shallow” at the 2019 Oscars, the intensity of their eye contact and closeness convinced fans that they were having an affair.
Though they insisted they were just good friends, rumors intensified after Cooper broke up with his partner, Irina Shayk, shortly after the event.
Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock (2022)
Perhaps the most shocking moment in Oscar history happened in 2022, when Will Smith walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock.
Rock had joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, unaware that she suffers from alopecia. Smith stormed onto the stage, slapped Rock, and then yelled, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!”
Minutes later, Smith won Best Actor for King Richard, making the situation even more uncomfortable.
Following the incident, Smith was banned from the Oscars for 10 years and resigned from the Academy.
