The Oscars, formally known as the Academy Awards, are the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry. They celebrate the artistry, creativity, and achievements of filmmakers and actors, but over the years, the ceremony has also been marked by its fair share of controversies. From shocking upsets to heated debates about representation and fairness, the Oscars have been a battleground for issues that extend far beyond the silver screen. While the event continues to hold immense cultural significance, some of its most memorable moments have come not from the films themselves but from the controversies that have surrounded them.

Here, we take a look at the top 10 controversies from the Oscars over the years—moments that stirred public debate, ignited media firestorms, and became part of the complex history of Hollywood’s most glamorous night.

Marlon Brando Rejects His Oscar (1973)

In one of the most iconic and politically charged moments in Oscar history, Marlon Brando rejected the Academy Award he won for his portrayal of Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972). Brando famously refused to attend the ceremony in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. He sent a Native American activist, Sacheen Littlefeather, in his place to decline the award on his behalf.

Littlefeather, dressed in traditional Native American attire, explained Brando’s reasons for not accepting the Oscar, citing the portrayal of Native Americans in film and the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. The move was met with boos from some of the audience members, while others applauded Brando’s courage. This protest sparked widespread conversation about Hollywood’s treatment of marginalized groups, though it was also criticized by some as an act of self-indulgence. Brando’s stand remains one of the most radical and memorable moments in Oscar history.

The Envelope Mix-Up (2017)

The 2017 Oscars are remembered not for the winners themselves but for the infamous mix-up during the announcement of the Best Picture award. In a shocking twist, presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were handed the wrong envelope, leading them to announce La La Land as the winner instead of the actual Best Picture winner, Moonlight.

The mistake was only realized when the producers of La La Land were on stage and had begun their acceptance speeches. The producers were informed of the error, and the Oscar was quickly handed over to the Moonlight team, who were understandably stunned and elated. While the mix-up was quickly resolved, it was a highly embarrassing moment for the Academy and left viewers wondering how such an important mistake could occur.

The incident prompted a review of the Academy’s procedures for handling envelopes and led to changes in how the award envelopes are managed to ensure that such a mix-up never happens again.

The #OscarsSoWhite Movement (2015, 2016)

The #OscarsSoWhite hashtag became a rallying cry for social justice activists, Hollywood insiders, and moviegoers alike. The controversy started in 2015, when the nominees for the acting categories were overwhelmingly white despite strong performances from actors of color throughout the year. The problem resurfaced in 2016 when the Academy once again failed to nominate any actors of color in the four acting categories, despite widely praised performances by actors such as Will Smith (Concussion), Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation), and others.

This lack of diversity led to a public outcry, with many arguing that the Academy was out of touch with contemporary society and the diverse range of talent in the entertainment industry. The movement gained momentum, with celebrities like Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee boycotting the ceremony in protest.

In response to the backlash, the Academy made changes, including expanding its voting membership to include more women and people of color and pledging to increase diversity in nominations. These efforts signaled a shift towards inclusivity, but many argued that real progress could only be made if Hollywood reexamined its systemic biases.

The Disappearance of Comedy Legend Bob Hope (1978)

Bob Hope, a legendary figure in American comedy and a staple of the Oscars for nearly three decades, was controversially removed from his longstanding role as the host of the Academy Awards in 1978. While Hope was not technically ousted, his absence from the show marked a significant shift in the event’s tone and style.

Hope’s influence on the Oscars was profound—he had hosted the ceremony 19 times, bringing his signature humor and showmanship to the stage. In 1978, however, the Academy decided to move in a new direction, opting for a more youthful and contemporary style. The decision was controversial, with many fans and critics of Hope arguing that he was the heart and soul of the event and that his departure represented a betrayal of tradition.

In the years following, the Academy experimented with different hosts, but none were able to capture the same warmth and familiarity that Hope brought to the stage. His absence remains a point of debate among those who believe that the Oscars lost a bit of its magic when Hope’s presence was no longer felt.

The “Alec Baldwin Incident” (2010)

In 2010, actor and comedian Alec Baldwin co-hosted the Oscars with Steve Martin. While their pairing was generally well-received, one particular moment during the ceremony led to an unexpected controversy. Baldwin made a joke about actress Meryl Streep’s many nominations, implying that she was overrated and was perhaps “too old” for another award.

The comment was met with backlash from both the public and Hollywood insiders, many of whom felt that Baldwin’s joke was in poor taste. While Baldwin later apologized for the remark, it highlighted the fine line between humor and disrespect, especially when it involves someone as beloved and established as Streep. Though Baldwin is known for his sharp wit and satirical style, the incident left many questioning whether his humor was a good fit for the formal and sometimes staid atmosphere of the Oscars.

The Slap Heard Around the World (2022)

In one of the most shocking moments in Oscar history, actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards. The incident occurred after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, referencing her shaved head. Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggle with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss, and Rock’s joke struck a nerve.

Smith, visibly angry, walked up to the stage and slapped Rock in front of a stunned audience. He then returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.” The incident was met with gasps from the audience, and the broadcast briefly cut away to avoid further escalation.

The event overshadowed the rest of the ceremony, including Smith’s subsequent win for Best Actor for his role in King Richard. Smith later apologized for his actions, and the Academy condemned the slap, noting that such behavior had no place in the ceremony. The incident sparked a heated debate about violence, comedy, and the limits of acceptable behavior at public events.

The “Godfather” Oscar Controversy (1972)

The Godfather is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, but its victory at the 1972 Academy Awards sparked controversy in a number of ways. First, Marlon Brando’s refusal to accept his Oscar (as mentioned above) overshadowed the film’s achievements. However, another layer of controversy came from the Academy’s decision to award Best Picture to The Godfather over Cabaret, a film that had garnered 10 nominations, including one for Best Picture.

Critics of the Academy’s decision argued that Cabaret had more artistic merit, especially in terms of its visual and musical elements. The contrast between the two films—The Godfather being a violent, gritty tale of organized crime and Cabaret being a lavish, musical exploration of pre-World War II Berlin—highlighted the divide in taste and perspective within the Academy. In retrospect, The Godfather has come to be seen as the rightful winner, but at the time, the controversy generated significant debate.

The “Gigi” Best Picture Win (1959)

In 1959, the film Gigi won the Academy Award for Best Picture, beating out other nominees such as Ben-Hur and Some Like It Hot. While Gigi was a charming musical that featured lavish costumes and sets, many critics and film enthusiasts felt that it was not as deserving of the prestigious award as some of its competitors.

Ben-Hur was a sweeping epic that revolutionized the film industry with its groundbreaking special effects, and Some Like It Hot was a comedy masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Despite these competing entries, Gigi‘s win was seen by many as a perplexing decision that showcased the Academy’s inconsistent taste.

While Gigi has since found its place in film history, the decision to award it Best Picture remains a point of contention for many film critics and movie lovers.

Cher’s Oscar Speech (1988)

When Cher won the Best Actress Oscar in 1988 for her performance in Moonstruck, her acceptance speech was one for the books. While the actress was widely praised for her performance, her speech was seen by many as a bizarre moment in Oscar history.

During her speech, Cher expressed her gratitude but also took a pointed jab at her critics and doubters, saying, “I am a big believer in this particular moment, but I also believe that this is a moment where you get your heart in the game. And if you do not get your heart into it, you will never win an Oscar.”

While Cher’s win was groundbreaking for a woman who was seen primarily as a pop star rather than a serious actress, her unapologetically bold speech polarized the audience, with some seeing it as empowering and others as self-serving.

The Blacklist of “On the Waterfront” (1954)

In 1954, the Academy was faced with an uncomfortable situation involving the film On the Waterfront. The film, which had garnered significant critical acclaim, was initially shunned by the Academy due to its ties to writer Budd Schulberg, who was associated with the Hollywood blacklist during the Red Scare.

Schulberg’s involvement in On the Waterfront was controversial because his role in testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) made him a target of scrutiny. However, when the film won multiple awards—including Best Picture and Best Director—some critics viewed it as a political gesture aimed at acknowledging the legitimacy of artists who had been blacklisted.

This controversy underscored the political tensions of the time and highlighted how Hollywood’s internal struggles with issues of free speech and political ideology had significant effects on the Oscars.

Conclusion

Throughout its history, the Oscars have been a reflection of both Hollywood’s glamour and the complex, often contentious issues within the entertainment industry. From dramatic protests to unexpected gaffes and surprising upsets, the controversies surrounding the Academy Awards continue to shape the public’s perception of the event. These moments serve as reminders that the Oscars, for all their glitz and glamour, is ultimately a reflection of the ever-evolving intersection of art, politics, and culture. Whether you love or loathe them, these controversies have added layers of intrigue and meaning to Hollywood’s most coveted night.