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The Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, have been a prestigious film award ceremony for over 90 years. Throughout its rich history, the Oscars have celebrated the greatest achievements in film. However, the ceremony has not been without its fair share of controversy. From surprising mix-ups to shocking behavior, the Oscars have been embroiled in several memorable and controversial moments that have left audiences stunned and sparked intense discussions. In this article, we will take a chronological journey through some of the most controversial moments in Oscar history.
1971: George C. Scott Rejects His Award for Best Actor
In 1971, legendary actor George C. Scott made headlines when he rejected his nomination for Best Actor for his role in "Patton." Scott had previously voiced his disdain for the idea of creative performances being compared and didn't believe in the concept of awards. Despite his refusal, he was nominated and went on to win the award. However, Scott decided to skip the ceremony and stayed at home in New York. Instead, producer Frank McCarthy accepted the award on his behalf.
1973: Marlon Brando's Protest and Sacheen Littlefeather's Speech
One of the most iconic and politically charged moments in Oscar history occurred in 1973 when Marlon Brando won the Best Actor award for his role in "The Godfather." Brando, known for his activism and support for Native American rights, decided to boycott the ceremony as a protest against Hollywood's mistreatment of Indigenous Americans. In his place, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American civil rights activist, to decline the award and deliver a powerful speech on his behalf. Littlefeather appeared in full Apache attire and read Brando's statement, which criticized the industry's portrayal of Native Americans. Her speech garnered a mix of boos and applause from the audience and sparked a conversation about representation in Hollywood.
1974: The Infamous Streaker
In 1974, the Oscars experienced a moment of unexpected chaos when a streaker named Robert Opel ran across the stage completely naked. Opel, an American photographer and gay rights activist, managed to sneak backstage by posing as a journalist before shedding his clothes and dashing past a stunned David Niven, who was introducing Elizabeth Taylor. The incident lasted only a few seconds, but it caused a significant stir and made headlines around the world. Niven, quick-witted as ever, responded to the situation with humor, stating, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen. But isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?"
1995: David Letterman's Uma and Oprah Joke
In 1995, talk show host David Letterman was selected to host the Oscars, but his performance became what The Atlantic later described as a "gold standard of Oscar bombing." One particular moment that fell flat was a joke about the unusual first names of Uma Thurman and Oprah Winfrey. Letterman introduced the two women to each other on stage, leaving the audience in silence. The attempt at humor failed to resonate with viewers, and critics were quick to criticize Letterman's delivery. The New York Times noted his habit of ridiculing names, which included everyone from immigrant cab drivers to store owners, and concluded that the routine didn't land as intended.
2000: Angelina Jolie's Controversial Kiss with Her Brother
The year 2000 saw one of the most puzzling and talked-about moments in Oscar history when Angelina Jolie shared a passionate kiss with her brother, James Haven, at the ceremony. The siblings caused a stir as they exchanged the intimate kiss after Jolie won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Girl, Interrupted." During her acceptance speech, Jolie proclaimed her love for her brother, stating, "I'm so in love with my brother right now." The public display of affection raised eyebrows and sparked widespread speculation about their unusual relationship. Jolie later clarified that the kiss was misinterpreted and that it was a simple and loving gesture between siblings that was blown out of proportion.
2003: Adrien Brody's Unexpected Kiss with Halle Berry
Another controversial moment occurred in 2003 when Adrien Brody won the Best Actor award for his role in "The Pianist." After being presented with the statuette by host Halle Berry, Brody surprised everyone by pulling her into a passionate embrace and kissing her on the lips. The unexpected and unscripted moment left Berry momentarily stunned, and she later described the kiss as "wet." Brody's gesture was met with mixed reactions, with some praising his spontaneity and others criticizing it as non-consensual. Brody faced backlash and was forced to apologize to Berry for the unexpected kiss.
2012: Sacha Baron Cohen's Ashes of Kim Jong-il Stunt
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is known for his outrageous and boundary-pushing antics, and in 2012, he brought his unique brand of humor to the Oscars red carpet. Promoting his film "The Dictator," Baron Cohen arrived dressed as his character, General Aladeen, and claimed to be carrying the ashes of former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. As he was being interviewed by TV host Ryan Seacrest, Baron Cohen pretended to trip and spilled the ashes all over Seacrest's suit. The incident caused a stir and led to Baron Cohen being escorted off the red carpet. While some found the stunt amusing, others criticized it as disrespectful and inappropriate.
2014: John Travolta's Name Mishap with Idina Menzel
In 2014, John Travolta experienced a cringe-worthy moment when he introduced singer Idina Menzel for her performance of the hit song "Let It Go" from the movie "Frozen." However, Travolta stumbled over Menzel's name and introduced her as "Adele Dazeem." The mispronunciation quickly went viral, and people were left confused and amused by the blunder. Travolta later explained that the mistake was due to a teleprompter error. Despite the mishap, Menzel delivered a flawless performance, and the incident became a memorable Oscars moment for all the wrong reasons.
2017: The Best Picture Mix-Up - "La La Land" vs. "Moonlight"
One of the most shocking moments in recent Oscars history occurred in 2017 when the wrong film was announced as the winner of the Best Picture award. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly declared "La La Land" as the winner, but moments later, it was revealed that the true winner was "Moonlight." The mix-up caused confusion and disbelief among the audience and the cast and crew of both films. As the "La La Land" team began their acceptance speeches, a stagehand alerted the mistake, and the error was corrected on live television. The incident led to changes in the way envelopes are handled and distributed at the ceremony to prevent a similar mishap from occurring in the future.
2019: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's Intense Duet
In 2019, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper set tongues wagging with their electrifying chemistry during their performance of the song "Shallow" from the film "A Star Is Born." The duo's intense gaze and emotional connection on stage fueled speculation about a romantic relationship between them. Social media was ablaze with comments, and some even urged them to "get a room." While Lady Gaga was newly single at the time, Cooper was in a relationship with Irina Shayk, who was sitting in the audience. The performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the night, showcasing the power of their on-screen chemistry.
Conclusion
The Oscars have a long history of both celebratory and controversial moments. From rejected awards and political protests to unexpected kisses and envelope mix-ups, the ceremony has seen it all. These controversial moments have sparked discussions, fueled debates, and left a lasting impact on the history of the Academy Awards. While controversy may sometimes overshadow the celebration of cinematic achievements, these incidents serve as reminders of the unpredictable and captivating nature of live events. As we eagerly anticipate future Oscar ceremonies, we can only wonder what controversial moments will unfold and how they will shape the legacy of the Academy Awards.