The Oscars may be Hollywood's biggest night, but even it is not immune to shocking moments. Despite months of planning, the prestigious award show has seen its fair share of embarrassing live mishaps that will forever remain a part of its history. Let’s pull back the curtains and look back at the 10 most awkward and unforgettable Oscar moments that had viewers at home holding their breaths.
Marlon Brando Takes A Political Stand (1973)
Marlon Brando made a daring move to stay away from the 45th Academy Awards in protest of the way Native Americans are depicted in Hollywood films. Refusing to attend, he instead sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, to accept the Best Actor prize he won for "The Godfather." Littlefeather’s delivery of Brando’s message was received with an equal share of discomfort and disbelief from the audience. 
Rick Browne, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rob Lowe's Snow White Duet (1989)
The 61st Academy Awards included an opening number that has since become an iconic part of Oscars history. Rob Lowe, accompanied by “Top Dog” actress Eileen Bowman who was disguised as Snow White, sang a cringe-worthy duet that bewildered the audience. Many people consider the strange and embarrassing performance as one of the most peculiar moments in Oscar history. Some analysts say that the situation also cost Allan Carr, the producer of the performance, his career.
Alan Light, Flickr
Jack Nicholson's Interrupts Jennifer Connelly (1998)
In 1998, as Jennifer Connelly took the stage to accept her award, legendary actor Jack Nicholson couldn't resist injecting a dose of awkward flirtation into the proceedings. Nicholson interrupted Connelly's speech with a playful comment about enjoying working with her, and his unexpected remark left the audience in nervous laughter. Connelly herself couldn’t contain her surprise—and everyone in the room could tell she felt uncomfortable in that moment.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY, Getty Images
Angelina Jolie's Bizarre Dedication To Her Brother (2000)
During her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress for "Girl, Interrupted," Angelina Jolie made a shocking statement that shook the audience. She announced, "I'm so in love with my brother right now," hinting at her intense connection with her brother James Haven. There was a noticeable unease in the room, and it seemed as though all that anybody could talk about was that moment (and the rumors it created about Jolie and her brother).
TIMOTHY A. CLARY, Getty Images
James Franco Hosts with Anne Hathaway (2011)
James Franco and Anne Hathaway's collaboration as the 83rd Academy Awards' hosts was an attempt to break from tradition. Sadly, there was barely any chemistry between the hosts, which resulted in a confusing and uneven presentation. The bland conversation and Franco's seemingly indifferent attitude made the Oscars hosting "disaster" unforgettable, leaving audiences cringing at home.
Michael Caulfield, Getty Images
Seth MacFarlane's Controversial Performance (2013)
During his 2013 hosting role, Seth MacFarlane made a number of jokes that were criticized for being offensive and divisive. MacFarlane's presenting style left many uncomfortable, especially with his digs at celebrities and his use of sexist and racist humor. It also raised discussions on the boundaries of comedy, particularly on such a prominent platform.
Kathy Hutchins, Shutterstock
John Travolta’s “Adele Dazeem” Moment (2014)
John Travolta's introduction of Idina Menzel at the 2014 Oscars instantly went viral. Travolta was asked to introduce Menzel before she performed the Oscar-winning song “Let It Go” from the animated Disney film “Frozen.” With an oddly botched pronunciation, Travolta referred to the Broadway diva as "Adele Dazeem." Online, the awkward situation generated jokes and memes ridiculing Travolta along with regrettably, Menzel as well.
Christopher Polk, Getty Images
Dakota Johnson and Melanie Griffith's Red Carpet Exchange (2015)
In 2015, an authentic and uncomfortable conversation between Dakota Johnson and her mother, Melanie Griffith, was captured on camera. During an interview regarding Johnson's part in "Fifty Shades of Grey," Griffith candidly revealed that she was unaware of the controversial film. The impromptu family moment sparked rumors of tension in Johnson and Griffith's relationship.
MARK RALSTON, Getty Images
Chris Rock's Asian Joke (2016)
During the 88th Academy Awards, host Chris Rock made a crude joke regarding Asians in an attempt to make the audience laugh. What should have been a night of celebration became unpleasant when the misguided comment sparked the ongoing discussion about diversity and representation in Hollywood. Rock immediately received condemnation from viewers everywhere.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Declaring The Wrong Winner (2017)
The 89th Academy Awards were arguably one of the most dramatic events in Oscar history. A blunder occurred when the wrong film was named the Best Picture winner by Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty. As the cast of La La Land walked onto the stage, all with smiles on their faces, the mistake was soon addressed by Dunaway who revealed that Moonlight was the true winner.
As expected, the results stunned everyone in the audience, and a small commotion broke out on stage. Dunaway and Beatty also received much criticism from upset commenters online, despite the fact that they were unintentionally set up to fail.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock (2022)
Hollywood A-lister Will Smith shocked everyone by slapping comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards. It was a startling turn of events—the incident started when Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith, Jada rolled her eyes, and Will responded with an emotional and unforeseen outburst.
Rock's joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's short hair and comparison to G.I. Jane heightened the tension in the room. Will Smith was clearly offended and he got up from his chair and came up to the stage to slap Chris Rock hard across the face. Social media users voiced a wide range of reactions in response to the drama, from horror to disgust.
It was hard to believe that the Oscars, which are generally known for having meticulously planned and “foolproof” presentations, featured a violent, unscripted moment. It highlighted just how unpredictable live television can be.
The moment not only dominated Oscar talk shows but also sparked debate about where to draw the line between private and public life.
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