Oscars 2023: The most controversial Academy Awards moments ever

Every year, the Oscars recognises the most prestigious films, actors and filmmakers for their contributions to cinematography. However, the star-studded event rarely passes without controversy: from winner mix-ups and interruptions, to surprise political statements and inappropriate behaviour, unscripted Oscar moments never fail to entertain.

So, as we approach the 95th Academy Awards, let's take a look back at some of the most controversial moments in Oscars history.

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock

In 2022, host Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head, stating he couldn’t wait to see her in G.I. Jane 2 - a reference to the 1997 movie starring Demi Moore with a crew cut.

The joke outraged Will Smith, Pinkett Smith's husband, who stormed the stage spouting profanities and delivered a sharp slap to Rock's face.

The shocking moment has become one of the most talked-about events in Oscar history, with the incident so scandalous that some media sources questioned whether it was staged. Ultimately deemed as legit, this surreal moment took Hollywood scandals to a new level and left viewers stunned.

La La Land mix-up

In 2017, the Oscars suffered a major mix-up when "La La Land" was mistakenly declared the winner of Best Picture instead of the actual winner, "Moonlight."

Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were handed the wrong envelope backstage, leading to the producers of "La La Land" being forced to hand over the award to the rightful winners, the team behind "Moonlight."

Ellen's star-studded selfie

In what has to be one of the most successful publicity stunts of all time, Ellen DeGeneres' 2014 viral Oscars selfie captured Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jared Leto in a rare moment of Hollywood goofiness.

"If only Bradley's arm was longer," DeGeneres tweeted. "Best photo ever. #oscars"

The star-studded photo has since racked up nearly 3 million retweets and more than 2 million likes.

John Travolta botches Idina Menzel's name

Another highlight from 2014 was John Travolta's blunder when introducing singer Idina Menzel for her performance of "Let It Go" from the hit movie Frozen, with Travolta introducing her as "Adele Dazeem." The not-so-minor mishap quickly went viral, sparking numerous memes and parodies.

Travolta later apologised for the error, blaming the mistake on an issue with the teleprompter.

Siblings Angelina Jolie and brother James Haven share intimate kiss

There was much applause when Angelina Jolie won an Academy Award for her performance in Girl, Interrupted at the Oscars in the year 2000, but her acceptance speech soon took a bizarre when she professed her love for brother James Haven, who was in the audience supporting her.

“I’m in shock, and I’m so in love with my brother right now,” she said, “he just held me and said he loved me, and I know he’s so happy for me. And, um, thank you for that.”

The siblings were then photographed sharing a kiss on the lips on the red carpet, further fuelling speculation about their unusual relationship.

Adrien Brody kisses Halle Berry

Another controversial Oscars kiss occurred in 2003 when Adrien Brody swept Halle Berry off her feet and surprised her with an especially passionate, but non-consensual kiss. Berry initially laughed it off, but later revealed that she didn't approve of the gesture and was simply too surprised to react in the moment.

Brody faced considerable backlash for the kiss and was later forced to apologise to Berry.

Marlon Brando refuses award

Jumping back in history to in 1973 and the 45th Annual Academy Awards, Marlon Brando caused a stir when he won the Best Actor award for his role in The Godfather but didn't show up to accept it.

Instead, he sent actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather to explain he was boycotting the film industry in act of protest against the mistreatment of Indigenous Americans.

Although the stunt confused and angered the audience on the night, it went on to spark a conversation about the representation of marginalised groups in Hollywood. Brando's decision to refuse the award and Littlefeather's brave delivery of his message have since been celebrated as a significant moment in American history.

The Oscars streaker

However, the most outrageous Oscars moment ever occurred the following year at the 1974 Academy Awards, when a moustached man revealed all to a stunned audience.

As actor David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor, a man named Robert Opel ran naked past him, flashing a peace sign to the audience.

The incident only lasted a few seconds before security removed Opel from the stage, but it caused a huge stir on the night, made headlines around the world and remains one of the most talked-about Oscars moments to this day.

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