For nearly a hundred years, the Oscars have been Hollywood’s big night: the red carpet, the speeches, the golden statues. It’s about celebrating movies and the people who make them. But it would be unfair to pretend the show was a glamorous awards night; in fact, it has always been as famous for its behind-the-scenes drama. Every year there is something: terrible mistakes, protests, statements and speeches, some awkward encounters or even a fight or two.
Over the years, some of the controversies at the Oscars touched on larger issues, such as Hollywood’s history with race and representation. Others are weird: the wrong winners, the curling moments that explode online, or the moment someone stormed the stage. And thanks to social media and the digital boom, these moments don’t disappear; they go viral and stick around, forever part of Oscars history.
From Marlon Brando sending a protester in his place, to the brutal ‘Envelope-gate’ blunder in 2017, to Will Smith’s headline-grabbing slap in the face in 2022 – these aren’t just fluff. They show that the Oscars night is more than about movies and their recognition. The event always reflects the true tensions, values and flaws of the industry.
