Academy Awards: the 6 most shocking scandals in the history of the ceremony

Will Smith’s slap to Chris Rock has left the bar very high in terms of scandals at the Oscars. The 2022 edition will be well remembered for it and unlikely to be another break-in of its caliber in the next few years. But, still, last year’s anomaly wasn’t the only one in the history of the Hollywood Academy ceremony: there were other prizes that also had their own.

Since its first installment, in 1929, The Oscars were the scene of controversy. It all happened. Next to the number 95, let’s review six of them – in addition to Will’s, of course – that are worth remembering. We see.

1. Racism and mystery

The 1940 edition was the first to start talking about the scandal. It was the ceremony of the classic gone With the Wind.

In that year, Hattie McDaniel she became the first African-American actress to win a statuette, which was not to the liking of a certain racist section of the industry who did not approve of her recognition. Also, no black actors and actresses had been invited to the gala.

All this, added to the way of describing the bondage of Gone with the Wind and the fact that the statuette of Hattie mysteriously disappeared after the death of the actress, covered this award with a veil of suspicion.

2. The Marlon Brando boycott

In 1973, Brando won the Best Actor Award for The Godfather, but did not show up for the ceremony to receive it. Instead he sent Sacheen Feathera Native American activist.

Littlefeather explained to the audience that Brando was refusing the award as a boycott of the way Native Americans were represented in the industry.

Brando made the decision in the midst of a convulsive social context caused by a protest for Wounded Knee, a massacre in which hundreds of indigenous people died at the hands of the US military.

Sacheen’s surprising and impressive presence made Oscar history. For what it was, for Brando’s rebellion and, of course, because one of the most important films in the history of cinema was behind it.

3. The naked intruder

At the 1974 Oscars, David Niven and a naked intruder They starred in a singular moment that would be remembered forever.

Just before the iconic actor was to present an award, a naked man walked past him. Diven weathered the setback like a champ. “Isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh a man will ever have is to strip down and show his flaws?” the actor said.

Finally, it would later be known that the unexpected character was the nudist robert opelphotographer and artist who had cleverly managed to elude the seemingly inviolable security of the event.

4. Very loving siblings

Angelina Jolie attended with his brother James Haven at the 2000 Oscars. They were shown together on the red carpet and inside the room they were the protagonists of one of the rarest moments of the ceremony.

Having won an award for his work on Innocence interruptedAngelina said in front of everyone that she was in love with James and then both were photographed kissing on the mouth in the living room.

Sometime after incest rumors surfaced between them, Haven commented in an interview with People that “it was a great time, but totally misunderstood.”

5. #OscarsSoWhite

In 2016, shortly after the #Black lives matter, no African-American actors were nominated. None of the 20 actors and actresses, in any category. As a result, hashtag-reply has become strong in the networks, #OscarSoWhite (Oscar so white), as a way of protest.

After that delivery, the Academy pluralized the nominations much more, renewing the discussions…

6. La La… no, sorry, Moonlight

The 2017 ceremony will forever be remembered for its epic finale.

The presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway they should have said the winner for best picture, but when they opened the envelope to reveal the winning title and, after seconds of hesitation, said “La La Land“, led to disaster.

While the producer of La La Land, Jordan Horowitzdelivered his acceptance speech -with several project leaders on stage-, two staff members from the company who supervise the winners approached him and Beatty informed them that they had opened the wrong envelope.

Finally, after realizing what was happening, Horowitz announced what neither he nor the director damian Chazelle, neither Ryan Gosling they wanted to hear, “This was a mistake, Moonlight is the Best Picture winner. It’s no joke, get on stage.”