Top 10 Most Memorable Award Show Moments
Get your popcorn ready and get ready to be amazed by the splendour, the glitz, and the breathtaking moments that occur during award shows. Award ceremonies have long been a breeding ground for the memorable, the ridiculous, and the downright bizarre, from unexpected speeches to startling upsets.We’re pulling out the red carpet for this star-studded countdown to relive the ten most iconic award show moments. This is the stuff that legends are made of, so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the annals of showbiz history.
10 Kanye West vs. Taylor Swift: 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
In the annals of award show history, a singular moment shines like a pair of rhinestone-studded cowboy boots: the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards clash between Kanye West and Taylor Swift. It marked the collision of two titans, and that evening, sparks flew – and not just from the stage pyrotechnics.
Kanye, known for his understated demeanor, dramatically stormed the stage during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video. With the agility of a ninja (or perhaps a rapper on a mission), he seized the mic from Taylor and declared, “I’ma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time.” Talk about an unforgettable mic-drop moment.
Taylor Swift, the indisputable queen of catchy break-up anthems, appeared as though she had seen a ghost, while the audience collectively gasped. Thus commenced the epic feud that unfolded with more drama than a season of reality TV. Ultimately, this MTV VMA incident became an iconic snapshot, serving as a reminder that in the glamorous realm of award shows, anything can transpire when the stars align. Or, in Kanye’s case, when he seizes the stage.
9 Jennifer Lawrence’s Tripping Incident: 2013 Oscars
The 2013 Oscars brought an unexpected twist. Jennifer Lawrence, the beloved and unfiltered Hollywood darling, managed to steal the show in more ways than one. As she gracefully ascended the stairs to accept her Best Actress award for Silver Linings Playbook, she stumbled over her Dior gown. But did she panic? No, she laughed it off like a true winner. Even A-list stars have their clumsy moments.
With one memorable stumble, Jennifer Lawrence instantly became the internet’s favorite GIF, trending on social media and securing a place in the annals of award show history. Her endearing “What are you gonna do?” shrug made her the queen of relatable moments. After all, who hasn’t experienced an embarrassing fall or wardrobe malfunction at the worst time?
Lawrence’s mishap showcased her humility and served as a reminder that perfection is overrated. It’s the candid, genuine moments like these that make award shows unforgettable. So, if you ever find yourself feeling a little clumsy, remember Jennifer Lawrence at the 2013 Oscars. After all, it’s not the fall that defines us but how we pick ourselves up and laugh about it.
8 Ellen’s Star-Studded Selfie: 2014 Oscars
It’s time to revisit the legendary Ellen’s star-studded selfie from the 2014 Oscars. This selfie was more than just a picture; it was a masterclass in the art of group photography. Ellen DeGeneres, the ringmaster of this star-studded circus, successfully corralled a group of A-listers that could rival the cast of a Hollywood blockbuster.
With a wave of her magic smartphone, Ellen summoned the likes of Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lawrence, and even Bradley Cooper into the frame. It was a celestial alignment of Hollywood’s finest, a selfie so epic it practically had its own gravitational pull.
The resulting photo became an instant icon, breaking the internet and setting a new standard for award show shenanigans. It was as if the gods of Tinseltown themselves had blessed us with this moment of pure, unadulterated celebrity magic.
7 Adele’s Emotional Grammy Speech: 2017 Grammy Awards
Adele’s emotional address at the 2017 Grammy Awards was a rollercoaster of feelings, taking us on an unforgettable ride. The British songstress, renowned for her powerhouse vocals and soulful ballads, delivered with five Grammy wins that night. However, it was her speech that left us all misty-eyed.
True to Adele’s style, she kicked off her speech with a charming British accent and a self-deprecating quip about restarting her tribute to the late George Michael, proving that even the biggest stars can embrace vulnerability. The evening’s theme of vulnerability continued as Adele’s voice cracked, and she fought back tears. It was a raw, authentic, and utterly endearing moment that deepened our admiration for her.
Adele went on to express her admiration for Beyoncé, also nominated in the same category, turning her heartfelt words into an anthem for female empowerment in the music industry. She showed us that it’s possible to be fierce competitors and supportive friends simultaneously.
Adele’s speech that night served as a lesson in grace, humility, and the power of genuine emotions. It reminded us that even in the realm of award shows, real feelings can shine through, creating the most memorable moments. Adele, you had us at “Hello” and left us in awe with your Grammy speech.
6 Jack Nicholson’s Photobomb: 2013 Oscars
Few moments have etched themselves into memory quite like Jack Nicholson’s unexpected cameo during the 2013 Oscars interview. His impromptu appearance as he sneaked into a live interview with Jennifer Lawrence, who had just clinched the Best Actress Oscar, unwittingly catapulted him into internet stardom.
While Jennifer was reveling in the triumph of her win, flashing her trademark “I can’t believe this is happening” smile, Nicholson seized the opportunity. With his iconic grin and unmistakable sunglasses, he materialized behind her, offering the star some well-deserved praise. Lawrence’s reaction was priceless—a mixture of shock and amusement, as if the Joker himself had magically appeared.
What rendered this interview truly unforgettable was the seamless blend of Hollywood royalty meeting a cheeky prankster. Jack’s legendary status in the industry only heightened the hilarity of the moment. In a realm dominated by meticulously orchestrated red-carpet appearances and carefully rehearsed acceptance speeches, Jack’s interruption served as a delightful reminder that the Oscars can still deliver surprises, and true legends never lose their charm.
5 Ricky Gervais Roasts the Golden Globes… Again
Ricky Gervais grilling the Golden Globes is akin to a fine wine—its flavor only improves with time, leaving a lasting impression. The British comedian, a maestro of snark, has graced the esteemed awards show with his hosting prowess on multiple occasions, and his unapologetic take-downs of Hollywood’s crème de la crème have become the stuff of legend.
Year in and year out, Gervais takes center stage armed with his razor-sharp wit and a devil-may-care attitude that could make even the most seasoned comedians squirm. He possesses a special talent for skewering the self-importance permeating the entertainment industry, sparing no one from A-list actors to the very organization that extended him the hosting invitation.
Gervais holds nothing back, and this audacity renders his roasts deliciously unforgettable. He’s the jester fearlessly uttering truths in a room steeped in pretense and pomposity. His irreverence acts as a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stifling awards ceremony.
4 Halle Berry’s Historic Oscar Win: 2002 Oscars
In the rich tapestry of award show history, certain moments gleam more brilliantly than a sequined gown under the spotlight. Halle Berry’s groundbreaking Oscar win in 2002 is undoubtedly one of those dazzling gems. While the Academy Awards have witnessed a myriad of unforgettable instances, Berry’s triumph stands out as a top contender for the Hall of Fame of award show glory.
As Halle Berry’s name resonated through the auditorium, announced as the recipient of the Best Actress award for her performance in Monster’s Ball, it felt as if the heavens themselves had gently placed an Oscar statuette in her hands. Beyond being the first African-American woman to clinch this coveted prize, Berry’s acceptance speech, marked by heartfelt emotion, left no eye in the house untouched. Her victory marked a monumental stride towards diversity in Hollywood, and she accomplished it with such grace and poise that winning an Oscar seemed effortlessly attainable.
3 Moonlight Mixup: 2017 Oscars
Ah, the Moonlight mix-up at the 2017 Oscars. It felt akin to witnessing a real-life game of musical chairs with the most esteemed award in the film industry. For a brief, heart-stopping moment, the world was treated to the ultimate plot twist: La La Land was declared the Best Picture winner, and Hollywood’s beloved musical was reveling in the spotlight. However, there ensued a mix-up of rather epic proportions.
In a delightful turn of events, it was subsequently revealed that Moonlight was the true victor. The entire cast and crew hurried to the stage, reminiscent of a troop of actors in a Shakespearean comedy. It was as if the Academy Awards had spontaneously transformed into an impromptu theater production with an unexpected ending. And, of course, let’s not overlook the roles played by Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, serving as our bemused narrators in this surreal drama.
The Moonlight mix-up now stands as a symbol of the unpredictability and chaos that can occasionally grace award shows. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of glitz and glamour, the universe possesses a sense of humor and occasionally delights in disrupting our carefully scripted moments.
2 Miley Cyrus’s VMA Performance: 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
One performance that has become indelibly stamped in our collective memory is Miley Cyrus’s spectacle at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. If you somehow missed it, you must have been living under a rock or perhaps on Mars, as this was a pop culture phenomenon of epic proportions.
Miley swung in like a wrecking ball, shedding her wholesome Disney image faster than you could say “Hannah Montana.” Clad in what could only be described as a futuristic teddy bear leotard, she twerked, gyrated, and provocatively waved her foam finger in ways that both shocked and fascinated viewers. Her tongue emerged as a bizarrely prominent co-star, wagging like a dehydrated puppy.
Miley seized her moment, leaving jaws dropped and parents clutching their pearls. The performance was so scandalous that it even left Robin Thicke looking a little lost.
Whether you loved it or hated it, there’s no denying the impact of Miley’s VMA performance. It was a defining moment in her career and in award show history, proving once and for all that she can’t be tamed. Whether you’re a fan or not, you can’t deny that Miley knows how to make an entrance—and an exit, leaving us all wondering, “What the twerk just happened?”
1 Steve Harvey’s Miss Universe Blunder: 2015 Miss Universe
The 2015 Miss Universe pageant marked the year when Steve Harvey bestowed upon the world a blunder so epic that it practically shattered the internet. In what can only be described as a cosmic mix-up of galactic proportions, the charismatic host accidentally crowned the wrong contestant as the winner.
With unwavering confidence, Harvey announced Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez, as the new Miss Universe. The glittering tiara was placed on her head, and the world erupted in joy. However, the universe had other plans, and Steve found himself backpedaling faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. The real winner was Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach. It was one of those cringe-worthy “I have to apologize” moments that will live in awards show infamy.
The incident turned Harvey into a walking meme, flooding the internet with GIFs, memes, and jokes galore. Credit where it’s due, Steve Harvey took it in stride, poking fun at himself and eventually becoming a beloved figure in the Miss Universe family.