The Oscars are Hollywood’s most glamorous night, celebrating the best in film. The Academy Awards are, unfortunately, as well known for their glitz and glam as their shocking controversies. From jaw-dropping mistakes to cringeworthy moments and decisions that left fans fuming, the event often sparks as much drama as the films it honors. Whether it’s a surprising Best Picture upset or an awkward live TV blunder, the Oscars have kept audiences guessing for decades. Here, we’re revisiting some of the most unforgettable moments in Academy Awards history. Buckle up, because even the brightest stars can’t outshine these scandals.

The 2017 Envelope Mix-Up

One of the most unforgettable Oscars moments happened during the climax of the 2017 ceremony, and it was an error so big that it was nicknamed "Envelopegate." During the announcement for Best Picture, presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly declared La La Land as the winner. The cast and crew of La La Land made their way to the stage, gave speeches, and celebrated their victory.

But then, chaos broke loose. Producer Jordan Horowitz interrupted, holding up the correct envelope and revealing that Moonlight was the actual winner. How did this colossal mistake happen? It turns out Brian Cullinan, an accountant from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), handed Warren Beatty the wrong envelope. Cullinan had been distracted backstage, reportedly tweeting a photo of Emma Stone during the ceremony. While both films' cast and crew handled the mix-up gracefully, this moment went down in live TV history as one of the most awkward and dramatic scenes the Oscars has ever seen.

Marlon Brando Refuses the Oscar (1973)

Actor Marlon Brando’s refusal to accept the Best Actor award for The Godfather remains one of the most talked-about acts of protest at the Oscars. Instead of showing up to the 1973 ceremony, Brando sent Indigenous activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award on his behalf.

Littlefeather used the platform to criticize Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans and bring attention to the Wounded Knee protests that were happening at the time. Her speech was met with cheers, boos, and everything in between. Behind the scenes, actor John Wayne reportedly had to be physically restrained by six security guards as he attempted to storm the stage in anger. This moment not only highlighted tensions in Hollywood but also had lasting consequences for Littlefeather, who faced professional and personal backlash for her brave stance.

When Crash Beat Brokeback Mountain (2006)

For many movie buffs, the 2006 Oscars created a controversy that still stings. Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee’s poignant and trailblazing love story about two men, was the critical favorite, winning Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. Most assumed it was a lock for Best Picture.

Then came the curveball. The Academy awarded Best Picture to Crash, an ensemble film about racism in Los Angeles. Critics quickly labeled the decision as a safe, conventional choice, sparking outrage among fans who believed Brokeback Mountain deserved the top prize. The decision was so divisive that it remains a touchpoint for conversations about the Oscars’ willingness to reward bold and boundary-pushing storytelling.

Adrien Brody’s Kiss (2003)

Not all Oscars controversies are about who wins and loses. During the 2003 ceremony, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Pianist. His heartfelt performance was well-deserving of the honor, but what followed his win left many people speechless. As Brody accepted his award, he kissed presenter Halle Berry on the lips.

The moment was spontaneous, and while the audience reacted with applause and laughter, many people later questioned whether it crossed the line of consent. Berry later stated that she decided to go along with it in the moment to avoid making an already awkward situation worse. The incident has since sparked ongoing conversations about boundaries during live events, especially with the clarity of hindsight.

The “#OscarsSoWhite” Movement (2015–2016)

The Oscars faced major criticism in 2015 and 2016 for its lack of diversity in the acting categories. For two years in a row, all 20 acting nominees were white. This glaring absence of representation triggered the viral social media campaign #OscarsSoWhite, which called out the Academy’s systemic bias and highlighted its failure to recognize talent from underrepresented communities.

The backlash led to structural changes within the Academy. The organization vowed to diversify its membership, aiming to include younger, more diverse voices. Some progress has since been made, but the controversy remains a key example of how public pressure can push for change in Hollywood’s oldest institutions.

Rob Lowe and Snow White’s Strange Performance (1989)

Some Oscars controversies have nothing to do with awards at all, and the 1989 ceremony is proof of that. Without a traditional host, the ceremony instead opened with a bizarre, 11-minute musical number featuring Rob Lowe and Snow White. The performance was meant to be lighthearted but quickly veered into cringe territory.

Viewers and Hollywood insiders alike were baffled, and the resulting backlash sparked outrage from industry veterans like Julie Andrews and Paul Newman, who signed a public letter condemning the performance. To this day, it stands as one of the most infamous examples of how live entertainment can go horribly wrong.

The Streaker Incident (1974)

Sometimes, the Oscars become memorable not because of the awards but because of random live-TV chaos. During the 1974 Academy Awards, David Niven was about to introduce Elizabeth Taylor when a naked man named Robert Opel ran across the stage. Opel, an artist and activist, staged the prank as a statement about free expression.

Niven’s quick wit saved the moment. Without skipping a beat, he quipped that the streaker’s stunt was probably “the only laugh that man will ever get in his life.” The incident remains one of the oddest and most daring Oscars moments to date.

The Shape of Water’s Plagiarism Allegations (2018)

Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy romance The Shape of Water captured hearts and swept the Oscars in 2018, winning Best Picture among other awards. Its time in the spotlight was shadowed by allegations of plagiarism. Playwright Paul Zindel claimed the film’s plot bore suspicious similarities to his play Let Me Hear You Whisper. Both stories featured a janitor forming a connection with a unique sea creature held in a lab.

A court later dismissed the lawsuit after finding no substantial evidence to support the claims of plagiarism. While the film emerged relatively unscathed, the scandal raised questions about originality and artistic influence in Hollywood.

Final Thoughts

The Oscars are meant to celebrate the excellence of filmmaking, but as history has repeatedly shown, they also deliver plenty of drama. These controversies reflect not only the high stakes of the industry but also society’s evolving values and expectations. Whether it’s a shocking mix-up, a polarizing decision, or an unscripted moment, the Oscars continue to spark conversations long after the cameras stop rolling. If anything, these moments remind us why we love movies and the passionate debates they inspire.