The Academy Awards, or Oscars, with nearly a century of tradition and glamour, stand as the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry, celebrating excellence in cinematic achievement. Each year, the ceremony captivates audiences worldwide with its dazzling red carpet, star-studded performances, and emotional acceptance speeches. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Oscars serve as a cultural barometer, reflecting the evolving landscape of storytelling and societal values. From groundbreaking wins that shatter barriers to unexpected moments that spark conversation, the Oscars continue to shape the narrative of cinema while honouring its rich history.
The Oscars have provided countless memorable moments throughout their nearly 100-year history, showcasing the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. These moments serve as reminders of the Oscars’ capacity to surprise, inspire, and provoke reflection on both the art of filmmaking and the world beyond the silver screen.
Let’s look back at 5 of such moments.
1. Marlon Brando’s Oscar Rejection
In 1973, Marlon Brando’s bold rejection of his Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in “The Godfather” sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. Brando, known for his iconic roles and outspoken activism, chose not to attend the ceremony, opting instead to make a powerful statement against the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans. In his place, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, to decline the award on his behalf and to deliver a message addressing the portrayal of Native Americans in film.
Littlefeather took to the stage, clad in traditional attire, and delivered a speech highlighting Brando’s concerns and expressing solidarity with the struggles of Indigenous peoples. Brando’s decision to refuse the Oscar drew widespread attention to issues of representation and cultural sensitivity in Hollywood, igniting conversations about the responsibility of filmmakers and the power of cinema to shape perceptions.
2. Halle Berry’s win
Another unforgettable moment in Oscars history occurred in 2002 when Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. As her name was announced, Berry was visibly overcome with emotion, struggling to contain tears of joy and disbelief. Her heartfelt acceptance speech reflected the magnitude of the moment, as she expressed gratitude for the trailblazers who paved the way for her historic win and acknowledged the significance of being the first African American woman to receive such an honour.
Her win symbolised progress in an industry often criticised for its lack of inclusivity, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams with renewed hope and determination.
3. Jennifer Lawrence falls
In 2013, Jennifer Lawrence, the talented and beloved actress, took a tumble on her way to accept the award for Best Actress. As Lawrence gracefully ascended the stairs to the stage to receive her Oscar for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook,” her heel caught on her voluminous gown, causing her to stumble. In a split second, Lawrence regained her composure with characteristic charm and humour, flashing her signature megawatt smile as she laughed off the mishap.
With self-effacing grace, she quipped during her acceptance speech,
“You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell, and that’s really embarrassing, but thank you.”
Lawrence’s candid and down-to-earth reaction endeared her even more to audiences around the world, earning her praise for her poise under pressure and relatability.
4. Wrong Winner!!
As the 2017 Oscars’ ceremony reached its climax, Hollywood legends Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway took to the stage to present the final award of the night. However, what followed was a sequence of events that left audiences and industry insiders alike in stunned disbelief. As Beatty opened the envelope and hesitated, seemingly perplexed by its contents, Dunaway proceeded to announce “La La Land” as the winner for Best Picture, sparking jubilant celebrations from the cast and crew on stage. Yet, amidst the euphoria, chaos ensued when it was revealed that a grave mistake had been made.
In a surreal turn of events, it was discovered that the wrong envelope had been handed to Beatty and Dunaway, leading to the erroneous announcement. In a dramatic reversal, the producers of “La La Land” graciously relinquished the stage to the true winners, the team behind “Moonlight,” who rightfully claimed the prestigious award.
5. Smith slaps Rock!
The 2022 Oscar ceremony will be remembered for its shocking drama, as Will Smith strode onto the stage and slapped Chris Rock. The incident occurred after Rock, serving as a presenter, made a jesting remark to Jada Pinkett Smith about a potential sequel to “G.I. Jane.” Smith, seated nearby, promptly rose from his seat, approached Rock, and delivered a slap. He then returned to his seat, admonishing Rock to refrain from mentioning his wife’s name disrespectfully. Rock attempted to explain that it was merely a joke, referencing a previous jest he made about Jada Pinkett Smith during his hosting of the Oscars in 2016, but Smith reiterated his demand.
The unexpected altercation sent shockwaves through both the audience in the Dolby Theatre and viewers at home. Later in the evening, Smith took the stage to accept the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Venus and Serena Williams’ father in “King Richard.” His acceptance speech oscillated between defending his actions and offering apologies for the incident.
