What do Will Smith, Britney Spears, and Miley Cyrus have in common? Well, aside from being singers, they’ve all become a part of Hollywood’s Award Show history by doing something so memorable that people still talk about those events today.
From passionate kisses to surprising face slaps, these award ceremonies have become legendary, so grab your popcorn and let nostalgia and cringe be your guide!
1. Lady Gaga Wearing Meat (2010 VMAs)
Lady Gaga’s fashion sense and eccentricity have always been on a whole different level. She consistently outdid herself, pushing the boundaries of avant-garde style, peaking with the infamous, borderline grotesque meat dress. This unforgettable ensemble of cold cuts solidified Gaga’s reputation as a fearless trailblazer in the world of unconventional and boundary-pushing fashion.
2. Jennifer Lawrence Tripped (2013 Oscars)
At the 2013 Oscars, JLaw stole the spotlight when she gracefully tripped over her gorgeous Dior gown while accepting the Best Actress award. Rather than panicking, she laughed it off, instantly becoming an internet sensation and the star of relatable moments. Lawrence’s cute reaction trended on social media, securing her a place in award show history.
3. Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock (2022 Oscars)
While presenting the Best Documentary Feature, Chris Rock cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head without realizing she had alopecia and that it wasn’t just a fashion statement. Naturally, Will Smith took that personally and stormed on stage. The next instant, he slapped Rock and shouted some choice insults at the comedian. The tension lingered for 20 long minutes before Smith finally apologized to the Academy while accepting his Best Actor Oscar.
4. Moonlight vs. LaLa Land Mixup (2017 Oscars)
The 2017 Oscars Moonlight mixup was definitely one of the most memorable mishaps in the history of the Oscars. La La Land was initially announced to win the Best Picture Award, but moments later, after they got up on the stage, it was revealed that Moonlight was the actual winner. How could that even happen? Either way, the Moonlight Oscars fiasco now symbolizes the unpredictability of award shows and proves that no matter what you do, the universe will find a way to mess up your day.
5. Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Madonna Kiss (2003 VMAs)
If there’s an award ceremony fans will never forget, it’s the scandalous kiss between Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Madonna at the 2003 VMA. Their controversial smooch left the audience in a mix of shock and fascination, among other, more straightforward feelings. To add insult to injury, the cameras made sure to capture the reaction of Britney’s ex, Justin Timberlake, plopping a spicy cherry on top of the already sensational performance.
6. Miss Universe Mixup (2015 Miss Universe)
In 2015, Steve Harvey made a legendary blunder at the Miss Universe pageant by mistakenly crowning Miss Colombia instead of the actual winner, Miss Philippines. That week, the entire internet went wild with memes and jokes, turning Harvey into a lovable figure in the Miss Universe community. Despite the awkward moment, he handled it pretty well.
7. Miley Cyrus Twerking (2013 VMAs)
Another iconic cringeworthy moment was Miley Cyrus twerking on Robin Thicke and exposing a little bit more than the viewers wanted to see. A few years later, she expressed mixed feelings about that evening. On the one hand, it was a statement of freedom, but on the other, it felt like sexual exploitation. Thankfully, by 2018, she started using her platform to champion LGBTQ rights and help the homeless.
8. Halle Berry’s First Oscar (2002 Oscars)
The historic night of 2002 at the Oscars marked a significant milestone for African-American actors. For one, Denzel Washington secured the Best Actor award for his role in Training Day, while Halle Berry, emotional and tearful, made history as the first black woman to be named Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Monster’s Ball. Her speech was sincere and moving, and the accomplishment was a pivotal point in the history of Hollywood.
