The Oscars have long been the most glamorous night in Hollywood, celebrating the pinnacle of achievement in film. But beyond the red carpet and acceptance speeches, the ceremony has also delivered historic, controversial, and emotionally charged moments that resonated far beyond the Dolby Theatre.
Whether it’s a groundbreaking win, an unexpected twist, or a powerful act of protest, these moments didn’t just make headlines, they became part of entertainment history. In this article, we look back at the unforgettable Oscar moments that truly defined the legacy of the Academy Awards.
The Famous Oscar Selfie
In 2014, Ellen DeGeneres took a selfie with an unlikely group of A-list stars, including Jennifer Lawrence, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, and others, during the Oscars ceremony. The spontaneous photo quickly went viral, becoming one of the most retweeted images of all time.
When Jimmy Kimmel Brought a Busload of Tourists to the Show
During the 2017 Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel took a hilarious turn when he invited a busload of unsuspecting tourists into the Dolby Theatre. The tourists, initially confused by their unexpected VIP treatment, were soon mingling with stars. Things got even stranger when Denzel Washington stepped in to “marry” two of the tourists, and Jennifer Aniston gave them her sunglasses as a quirky wedding gift.
Moonlight/La La Land Incident
The 2017 Oscars made history for all the wrong reasons when “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as Best Picture. The awkward scene unraveled live as producers realized the real winner was “Moonlight,” sparking one of the biggest award show blunders of all time.
James Franco and Anne Hathaway’s Oscars Hosting Fail
In 2011, the Academy hoped to bring in younger audiences by pairing James Franco and Anne Hathaway as hosts. Unfortunately, the night was a disaster, with Franco barely showing any enthusiasm and Hathaway trying to overcompensate with exaggerated energy. From awkward moments to strange skits, including Franco’s attempt to dress as Marilyn Monroe, the show saw a 9% drop in viewership, cementing this hosting gig as one of the least memorable in Oscar history.
