The Biggest Oscars Controversies of All Time: See the 11 Most Scandalous Moments of Hollywood's Biggest Night (Including a Streaker and a Shocking Kiss!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage at the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 2022 ; ‘La La Land’ producer Jordan Horowitz (L) hands over the Best Picture award to ‘Moonlight’ writer/director Barry Jenkins at the 89th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 26, 2017.Photo:Neilson Barnard/Getty; Kevin Winter/Getty

Neilson Barnard/Getty; Kevin Winter/Getty

What happens when you gather Hollywood’s biggest stars in the same room for one night a year? The possibilities are endless.Since its debut in 1929, theOscarshave become one of the most prestigious — and unpredictable — nights in Hollywood. With the industry’s biggest actors, filmmakers and crew members dressed to the nines, the ceremony serves as a celebration of the year’s best films and honors those who brought them to life.But over the years, it has proven to be more than just a night of accolades — it’s a show that’s often filled with moments that leave both attendees and viewers in shock, long after the ceremony ends.From the jaw-droppingLa La Land/Moonlightmix-up for Best PicturetoWill Smith’sslap heard around the world, the Oscars have delivered some of pop culture’s most unforgettable controversies.Ahead of the 97th annual Academy Awards, here’s a look back at 11 of the biggest Oscars controversies.

What happens when you gather Hollywood’s biggest stars in the same room for one night a year? The possibilities are endless.

Since its debut in 1929, theOscarshave become one of the most prestigious — and unpredictable — nights in Hollywood. With the industry’s biggest actors, filmmakers and crew members dressed to the nines, the ceremony serves as a celebration of the year’s best films and honors those who brought them to life.

But over the years, it has proven to be more than just a night of accolades — it’s a show that’s often filled with moments that leave both attendees and viewers in shock, long after the ceremony ends.

From the jaw-droppingLa La Land/Moonlightmix-up for Best PicturetoWill Smith’sslap heard around the world, the Oscars have delivered some of pop culture’s most unforgettable controversies.

Ahead of the 97th annual Academy Awards, here’s a look back at 11 of the biggest Oscars controversies.

01of 11Hattie McDaniel’s plaque for her groundbreaking win went missingBettmann Archive/GettyHattie McDanielmade history in 1940 when she was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in 1939’sGone With the Wind, becoming the first-ever Black actor to win an Oscar. With strict segregation rules at the time, the actress was forced to sit at a separate table on the far side of the room.But the shock didn’t stop there. When McDaniel died in 1952, she willed her plaque (trophies were not awarded to supporting actors at the time) to Howard University. However, it was lost shortly after, disappearing from the school’s fine arts building, perNPR.According to the outlet, the Academy replaced the award in 2023, and the school held an accompanying ceremony to honor her life and career.

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Hattie McDaniel’s plaque for her groundbreaking win went missing

Bettmann Archive/Getty

Hattie McDanielmade history in 1940 when she was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in 1939’sGone With the Wind, becoming the first-ever Black actor to win an Oscar. With strict segregation rules at the time, the actress was forced to sit at a separate table on the far side of the room.

But the shock didn’t stop there. When McDaniel died in 1952, she willed her plaque (trophies were not awarded to supporting actors at the time) to Howard University. However, it was lost shortly after, disappearing from the school’s fine arts building, perNPR.

According to the outlet, the Academy replaced the award in 2023, and the school held an accompanying ceremony to honor her life and career.

02of 11Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn tying for Best ActressSinger and actress Barbra Streisand holds her Oscar for Best Actress won for the performance as Fanny Brice in the musical comedy-drama movie ‘Funny Girl’ on April 14, 1969.Silver Screen Collection/GettyIn 1969, audiences were shocked when the Oscars had its first tie:Barbra StreisandandKatharine Hepburnhad both won the award for Best Actress. Streisand was nominated for her debut performance inFunny Girl, while Hepburn earned a nod for forThe Lion in Winter.However, only one actress — Streisand — took the stage to accept the award. Hepburn hadn’t shown up in the past to accept her awards, and this time around was no different.

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Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn tying for Best Actress

Singer and actress Barbra Streisand holds her Oscar for Best Actress won for the performance as Fanny Brice in the musical comedy-drama movie ‘Funny Girl’ on April 14, 1969.Silver Screen Collection/Getty

Silver Screen Collection/Getty

In 1969, audiences were shocked when the Oscars had its first tie:Barbra StreisandandKatharine Hepburnhad both won the award for Best Actress. Streisand was nominated for her debut performance inFunny Girl, while Hepburn earned a nod for forThe Lion in Winter.

However, only one actress — Streisand — took the stage to accept the award. Hepburn hadn’t shown up in the past to accept her awards, and this time around was no different.

03of 11Marlon Brando declining his award for Best ActorSacheen Littlefeather appeared at the Academy Awards in place of Oscar winner Marlon Brando.Bettmann/GettyMarlon Brandowon Best Actor for his role in 1972’sThe Godfatherin 1973. But when it came time to accept the honor, Native American activistSacheen Littlefeatherstood in his place and explained that Brando wasboycotting the eventand rejecting his trophy.In place of what would have been his acceptance speech, the actor had written a 15-page letter for Littlefeather to read about his objections to Native American on-screen representation.

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Marlon Brando declining his award for Best Actor

Sacheen Littlefeather appeared at the Academy Awards in place of Oscar winner Marlon Brando.Bettmann/Getty

Bettmann/Getty

Marlon Brandowon Best Actor for his role in 1972’sThe Godfatherin 1973. But when it came time to accept the honor, Native American activistSacheen Littlefeatherstood in his place and explained that Brando wasboycotting the eventand rejecting his trophy.

In place of what would have been his acceptance speech, the actor had written a 15-page letter for Littlefeather to read about his objections to Native American on-screen representation.

04of 11Robert Opel running naked across the stageRobert Opel running across the stage naked during the 1974 Academy Awards.APIn 1974, the Oscars went from PG to R-rated when English teacher Robert Opel ran across the stage naked while host David Niven was presenting.Years later, his nephew opened up about Opel’s streak in the documentaryUncle Bob, sharing that it was a demonstration of performance art and “a social comment,” perEntertainment Weekly.

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Robert Opel running naked across the stage

Robert Opel running across the stage naked during the 1974 Academy Awards.AP

In 1974, the Oscars went from PG to R-rated when English teacher Robert Opel ran across the stage naked while host David Niven was presenting.

Years later, his nephew opened up about Opel’s streak in the documentaryUncle Bob, sharing that it was a demonstration of performance art and “a social comment,” perEntertainment Weekly.

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Angelina Jolie thanking her brother — with a kiss

Angelina Jolie and James Haven at the 72nd Academy Awards.Mediapunch/Shutterstock

Angelina Joliemade headlines when she shared an intimate — and controversial — moment with her brother,James Haven, at the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000.

Ahead of the ceremony, Jolie kissed Haven on the lips while walking the red carpet. When she won her Oscar forGirl, Interrupted, she said in her acceptance speech that she was “in shock” and “so in love with my brother right now.”

“He just held me and said he loved me and I know he’s so happy for me, and thank you for that,” Jolie continued.

The actress reflected on her acceptance speech in an interview withVoguetwo years later, clarifying, “Saying I’m ‘in love’ with him is just an expression.”

06of 11Adrien Brody kissing Halle Berry onstageActor Adrien Brody surprises presenter Halle Berry with a kiss after he won the Oscar for best actor for his work in ‘The Pianist’ at the 75th annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on March 23, 2003.Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times via GettyThings got steamy at the 75th Academy Awards. In 2003, while accepting the Oscar for Best Actor for his role inThe Pianist,Adrien Brodyfamously kissed presenterHalle Berry.“I bet they didn’t tell you that was in the gift bag,” he joked.During a 2017 appearance onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Berry revealed that the moment was “not planned” and she “knew nothing about it.““I was like, ‘What the f— is happening right now?’ That is what was going through my mind,” Berry said. “And because I was there the year before and I know the feeling of being out of your body, I just f—ing went with it. But I was like, ‘What the f— is going on right now?’ “Eight years later, Brody reflected on the moment in an interview withVariety.“We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing,” the actor said. “And nothing that I ever do or have done or would’ve done is ever done with the intention of making anyone feel bad.”

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Adrien Brody kissing Halle Berry onstage

Actor Adrien Brody surprises presenter Halle Berry with a kiss after he won the Oscar for best actor for his work in ‘The Pianist’ at the 75th annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on March 23, 2003.Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Things got steamy at the 75th Academy Awards. In 2003, while accepting the Oscar for Best Actor for his role inThe Pianist,Adrien Brodyfamously kissed presenterHalle Berry.

“I bet they didn’t tell you that was in the gift bag,” he joked.

During a 2017 appearance onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Berry revealed that the moment was “not planned” and she “knew nothing about it.”

“I was like, ‘What the f— is happening right now?’ That is what was going through my mind,” Berry said. “And because I was there the year before and I know the feeling of being out of your body, I just f—ing went with it. But I was like, ‘What the f— is going on right now?’ "

Eight years later, Brody reflected on the moment in an interview withVariety.

“We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing,” the actor said. “And nothing that I ever do or have done or would’ve done is ever done with the intention of making anyone feel bad.”

07of 11Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty accidentally announcing ‘La La Land’ as Best Picture’La La Land’ producer Jordan Horowitz holds up the winner card reading actual Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’ with actor Warren Beatty and host Jimmy Kimmel onstage during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on Feb. 26, 2017, in Hollywood, Calif.Kevin Winter/GettyThe 2017 Best Picture mix-up — a.k.a.envelopegate— will forever go down as one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Oscars history!WhenBonnie and ClydestarsFaye DunawayandWarren Beattywere invited to announce the award for Best Picture in 2017, they were accidentally given the envelope for Best Actress, which had gone toEmma Stonefor her starring role inLa La Land.The mix-up sparked confusion, leading Beatty to announceLa La Landas the Best Picture winner.Producer Jordan Horowitz was in the middle of his acceptance speech when someone backstage yelled, “Oh my God, it’s notLa La Land, it’sMoonlight!“The cast ofMoonlightthen took the stage where Horowitz passed off the award to directorBarry Jenkinswho proceeded to give a speech of his own.

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Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty accidentally announcing ‘La La Land’ as Best Picture

‘La La Land’ producer Jordan Horowitz holds up the winner card reading actual Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’ with actor Warren Beatty and host Jimmy Kimmel onstage during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on Feb. 26, 2017, in Hollywood, Calif.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

The 2017 Best Picture mix-up — a.k.a.envelopegate— will forever go down as one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Oscars history!

WhenBonnie and ClydestarsFaye DunawayandWarren Beattywere invited to announce the award for Best Picture in 2017, they were accidentally given the envelope for Best Actress, which had gone toEmma Stonefor her starring role inLa La Land.

The mix-up sparked confusion, leading Beatty to announceLa La Landas the Best Picture winner.

Producer Jordan Horowitz was in the middle of his acceptance speech when someone backstage yelled, “Oh my God, it’s notLa La Land, it’sMoonlight!”

The cast ofMoonlightthen took the stage where Horowitz passed off the award to directorBarry Jenkinswho proceeded to give a speech of his own.

08of 11The 2015 Oscars nominations leading the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite to go viral on TwitterAcademy Awards nominees attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Feb. 2, 2015.Kevin Winter/GettyThe Academy Awards has faced a lot of backlash for lack of diversity over the years, but perhaps the height of it came in 2015 after all the acting nominations went to White actors.Social media user April Reign then coined the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite on X, calling attention to the lack of nods for people of color in the award ceremony (and in Hollywood as a whole).The hashtag was revived again the following year when, again, no actors of color were nominated, leading academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs to release a statement in which she said the organization would be “takingdramatic steps to alter the makeupof our membership.”

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The 2015 Oscars nominations leading the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite to go viral on Twitter

Academy Awards nominees attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Feb. 2, 2015.Kevin Winter/Getty

The Academy Awards has faced a lot of backlash for lack of diversity over the years, but perhaps the height of it came in 2015 after all the acting nominations went to White actors.

Social media user April Reign then coined the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite on X, calling attention to the lack of nods for people of color in the award ceremony (and in Hollywood as a whole).

The hashtag was revived again the following year when, again, no actors of color were nominated, leading academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs to release a statement in which she said the organization would be “takingdramatic steps to alter the makeupof our membership.”

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Will Smith slapping Chris Rock onstage

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Rock was introducing the award for Best Documentary and joked to Smith’s wifeJada Pinkett Smithin the audience, saying, “Jada, I love ya.G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see ya.”

Just moments later, Smith walked on stage and slapped him across the face. “Oh wow,” Rock said shortly after. “Will Smith just smacked the s— out of me.”

Once Smith made it back to his seat, he yelled up to the stage, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!”

While Rock deemed it the “greatest night in the history of television,” Smith later called it a “horrific night.”

The incident also led Smith to bebanned from the Oscarsfor 10 years.

10of 11Andrea Riseborough’s Oscars nomination reviving the hashtag #OscarsSoWhiteAndrea Riseborough attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, Calif.Arturo Holmes/GettyThe hashtag #OscarsSoWhite resurfaced again in 2023 due to thecontroversyaroundAndrea Riseborough’s Oscars nomination for her starring role inTo Leslie.The independent film flew under the radar until high-profile stars such asJennifer AnistonandGwyneth Paltrowbeganpublicizing their support and hosting screenings. After being snubbed at the SAG, Critics Choice and Golden Globe Awards, people were shocked to learn that Riseborough had been nominated for Best Actress at the most prestigious ceremony of all.The Academy launched an investigation into campaign procedures around the nominees, though didn’t specifically mention the film or actress, and ultimately decided Riseborough would keep her nomination.With no Black actresses nominated in the category, despiteThe Woman King‘sViola DavisandTill‘sDanielle Deadwylerhaving made waves that year, Riseborough’s nomination re-sparked the conversation surrounding the Academy’s diversity problem.

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Andrea Riseborough’s Oscars nomination reviving the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite

Andrea Riseborough attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, Calif.Arturo Holmes/Getty

Arturo Holmes/Getty

The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite resurfaced again in 2023 due to thecontroversyaroundAndrea Riseborough’s Oscars nomination for her starring role inTo Leslie.

The independent film flew under the radar until high-profile stars such asJennifer AnistonandGwyneth Paltrowbeganpublicizing their support and hosting screenings. After being snubbed at the SAG, Critics Choice and Golden Globe Awards, people were shocked to learn that Riseborough had been nominated for Best Actress at the most prestigious ceremony of all.

The Academy launched an investigation into campaign procedures around the nominees, though didn’t specifically mention the film or actress, and ultimately decided Riseborough would keep her nomination.

With no Black actresses nominated in the category, despiteThe Woman King‘sViola DavisandTill‘sDanielle Deadwylerhaving made waves that year, Riseborough’s nomination re-sparked the conversation surrounding the Academy’s diversity problem.

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Karla Sofia Gascón attending the Oscars following her controversial tweets

Karla Sofía Gascón poses for photo during a press conference of ‘Emilia Perez’ film at Cinepolis Plaza Carso on Jan. 15, 2025, in Mexico City.Medios y Media/Getty

Medios y Media/Getty

The latest scandal to hit the Oscars has been in talks before the ceremony has even started.

She had previously vowed to sit back during the award season, writing onInstagramthat she hoped her “silence will allow the film to be appreciatedfor what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference.”

Gascón is nominated for Best Actress for her leading role inEmilia Pérez, making history as thefirst openly transgender star to be consideredfor the category.

source: people.com