The Academy Awards have always been an event where Hollywood’s biggest stars gather to celebrate cinematic excellence. However, throughout its history, the Oscars have also been home to jaw-dropping, controversial, and unexpected moments that left audiences stunned. From fashion statements to on-stage mishaps, here are the 12 most shocking Oscar moments ever.
12. Cher Turns Heads in a See-Through Dress (1988)
Cher has always been known for her bold fashion choices, and her 1988 Oscars appearance was no exception. Wearing a sheer, jewel-encrusted gown with an extravagant feathered headdress, Cher stunned everyone when she accepted her Best Actress award for Moonstruck.
11. John Travolta Butchers Idina Menzel’s Name (2014)
In a moment that launched countless memes, John Travolta introduced Frozen star Idina Menzel for her performance of Let It Go but bizarrely mispronounced her name as “Adele Dazeem.” The slip-up became an internet sensation overnight.
10. Chris Rock’s Blistering Opening Monologue (2016)
As host of the 2016 Oscars, Chris Rock delivered a scathing monologue addressing the controversy over the lack of diversity in nominations (#OscarsSoWhite). He directly called out Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith for boycotting the ceremony, likening it to him boycotting Rihanna’s underwear—”I wasn’t invited!”
9. Rob Lowe’s Infamous Musical Number (1989)
The 1989 Oscars opened with a bizarre 11-minute musical sequence featuring Rob Lowe singing Proud Mary with an actress dressed as Snow White. The performance was widely panned, and Disney even sued the Academy for unauthorized use of their character.
8. Angelina Jolie’s Uncomfortably Intimate Moment with Her Brother (2000)
When Angelina Jolie won Best Supporting Actress for Girl, Interrupted, she shocked the audience by gushing, “I’m so in love with my brother right now.” Their affectionate red carpet kiss sparked intense media speculation.
7. A Streaker Crashes the Oscars (1974)
During the 1974 Oscars, activist Robert Opel ran naked across the stage just before Elizabeth Taylor was about to announce Best Picture. Co-host David Niven managed to maintain his composure, quipping that Opel was “revealing his shortcomings.”
6. Marlon Brando Refuses His Oscar (1973)
Marlon Brando made history by rejecting his Best Actor award for The Godfather, sending Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award in protest of Hollywood’s mistreatment of Indigenous people.
5. Adrien Brody Kisses Halle Berry Without Warning (2003)
When Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Pianist, he celebrated by grabbing presenter Halle Berry and planting an unplanned, lengthy kiss on her lips. The moment has since been reassessed as an uncomfortable and inappropriate invasion of personal space.
4. Marisa Tomei’s Controversial Best Supporting Actress Win (1993)
Marisa Tomei’s win for My Cousin Vinny sparked conspiracy theories that presenter Jack Palance had misread the winner’s name. Though repeatedly debunked, the rumor still lingers as one of Oscar’s biggest controversies.
3. Crash Wins Best Picture Over Brokeback Mountain (2006)
When Crash won Best Picture over the widely favored Brokeback Mountain, critics and audiences alike were stunned. The upset remains one of the most debated Oscar wins in history.
2. La La Land Best Picture Mix-Up (2017)
The 2017 Oscars ended in complete chaos when Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty mistakenly announced La La Land as the Best Picture winner. The actual winner, Moonlight, was only revealed after the La La Land team had already begun their speeches. The envelope mix-up was blamed on the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
1. Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock (2022)
The most shocking Oscar moment of all time occurred in 2022 when Will Smith walked onto the stage and slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. The incident left the audience in stunned silence and overshadowed Smith’s subsequent Best Actor win for King Richard.
