5 Unforgettable Oscars Moments That Live In Our Heads Rent Free

Jennifer Lawrence turned her stumble into stardom at the 2013 Oscars. As she climbed the steps in a billowing Dior, gravity took its toll, and down she went. But like a true star, she bounced back with a laugh, stealing our hearts all over again.

Adrien Brody’s win for “The Pianist” in 2003 came with an unexpected twist. He swooped Halle Berry into a surprise kiss that left everyone gasping. It was a kiss that carved its place in Oscar history, a spontaneous burst that blurred the lines between exuberance and overstep.

Fast-forward to 2022, and the Oscars served us a slice of real drama. Will Smith’s slap heard around the world sent shockwaves through the crowd. Chris Rock’s joke met Smith’s open hand, and the audience’s jaws dropped. It was a slap that sparked a million tweets and rewrote the rules on live TV surprises.

Cut to 1973, when Sacheen Littlefeather took a stand against Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. In a moment of solemnity, she declined Marlon Brando’s Oscar for “The Godfather,” turning the glamorous event into a stage for protest and change.

Remember the streaker who sprinted into Oscar infamy in 1974? Robert Opel’s cheeky dash across the stage is forever etched in our minds, a reminder that the Oscars can always surprise us.