Every year some of Hollywood’s most iconic and talented stars meet to decide the ultimate winners of the Academy Awards. Revered by fans and actors alike, award season is a renowned moment that has been making cinematic history since 1929. From record-breaking acceptance speeches to iconic performances and inspiring documentaries to memorable surprises, it’s no surprise that the Academy Awards often stand out as one of the most talked about red carpet events each year. Here are some of the most standout moments from the Academy Awards that have kept viewers captivated for decades.
Let the Show Begin with Hosts That Capture the Crowd
The host of the Academy Awards is often the first source of drama to take the stage, as they set the pace for the show that’s about to come. From Billy Crystal’s witty humor to Steve Martin’s comedic riffs, the ceremony wouldn’t be the same without the perfect host. Here are some of the most iconic Academy Awards hosts of all time:
• Billy Crystal: Known as one of the best hosts to take the stage, Billy Crystal made his hosting debut in 1990 and held the job until 2004 — with a break in 1997. With his quick wit and relatable stories, Crystal quickly became a fan favorite and earned himself a place in the Academy’s hosting hall of fame.
• Ellen DeGenerous: Ellen DeGeneres has held her own as an Academy Awards host more than once. Appearing in 2007, her performance was widely praised for her standout comedic performance. In 2014, Ellen made history when she made headlines by tweeting the most retweeted photo ever taken, garnering 1 million retweets in the first hour and over 3 million within 24 hours.
• Chris Rock: Chris Rock made his hosting debut in 2005, and his uncompromising jokes left the audience captivated. Not stopping there, Rock made headlines once again with his 2020 hosting duties, in which he had pointed commentary about the lack of diversity in Hollywood.
Celebrity Speeches: Snubs, Surprises, and Standing Ovations
The Academy Awards stand out among other awards thanks to the iconic, inspiring, and sometimes controversial speeches. Whether it’s a moving tribute to an accepted award or a mention of an inspiring social message, celebrity speeches at the Academy Awards never fail to draw attention. Below are the top five most iconic speeches of all time:
• Marlon Brando: In 1973, Marlon Brando accidentally made history when he sent African American actress and civil rights activist Sacheen Littlefeather to speak on his behalf during his acceptance speech. Littlefeather read out a message of protest that left the audience completely stunned.
• Cuba Gooding Jr.: When actor Cuba Gooding Jr. won Best Supporting Actor for Jerry Maguire, his acceptance speech inspired many when he exclaimed “Show me the money!” The phrase was laughed off by many, but inspired others to take note of his milestone in Hollywood.
• Halle Berry: When Halle Berry won Best Actress for Monster’s Ball in 2002, she made history as the first African American woman to win in the category — and her speech reflected that. With tears in her eyes and a trembling voice, Berry thanked the Academy for “reminding me that it can be about the performance and not the politics.”
• Adrien Brody: In 2003, when Adrien Brody presented his Best Actor acceptance speech, he made a bold move. He ran offstage and kissed Halle Berry — making history as the first person to ever kiss a co-star on stage.
• Matthew McConaughey: When Matthew McConaughey won his first-ever Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club in 2014, he gave an inspiring and heart-felt speech that reminded everyone in the room why they do what they do. Known as one of the most iconic acceptance speech ever, McConaughey thanked his co-star, Jared Leto and concluded his speech with a powerful yet simple statement: “Just keep living.”
The Craziest Academy Award Red Carpet Moments
There’s almost nothing more iconic than the iconic red carpet moments at the Academy Awards. From celebrity fashion disasters to the most daring of hairstyles, here are some of the craziest moments from the red carpet over the years:
• Bjork’s Swan Dress: Icelandic singer Bjork made a statement with her notorious swan dress she donned in 2001. Although the look was bizarre, her unique choice of attire left audiences speechless.
• Angelina Jolie’s Leg: In 2012, Angelina Jolie set the bar for the most unexpected yet daring red carpet move, when she showed off her right leg in a power move that left audiences mesmerized.
• Beyonce’s Kids: In 2019, Beyonce and Jay-Z made a surprise appearance on the red carpet accompanied by their three children who were dressed in the most iconic of styles.
• Lupita Nyong’o’s Headpiece: In 2014, Lupita Nyong’o made a statement when she wore an elaborate headpiece. One of the most outrageous yet beautiful moments of its kind, Lupita’s daring fashion choice left people all over the globe in awe.
• Lady Gaga’s Embellishments: In 2019, Lady Gaga and her extravagant dress stole the show — but it was her sheer number of embellishments that made her a stand out. From her enormous shoulder pieces to her dazzling headwear, Gaga showed how the red carpet can be a space for self-expression and a show-stopping moment.
Enduring Moments from the Oscar-Winning Movies
The Academy Awards are not only interesting for their iconic moments, but also for the inspiring and enduring moments from some of the Oscar-winning movies. Here are some of the most memorable moments from the most revered Academy Award-winning films:
• “You Had Me at Hello” from Jerry Maguire: When Jerry Maguire, played by Tom Cruise, finally decided to be honest about his feelings for Dorothy Boyd, played by Renée Zellweger, their chemistry was undeniable. This iconic love story captured hearts everywhere with Zellweger’s famed line: “You had me at ‘hello’.”
• “I’m Flying” from Forrest Gump: Any Forrest Gump fan will remember the iconic moment when his beloved Forrest finally shows Jenny that he can fly by jumping off a bus and running across a football field. As Forrest takes to the skies, the audience is inspired by the a iconic character that earns high praise and admiration.
• “I’m the King of the World!” from Titanic: In 1997, James Cameron’s Titanic was released worldwide and created one of the most iconic film moments of all time. As young Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, stands at the bow of the Titanic, he proclaims “I’m the king of the world!” and forever earns his place as an Academy Award winner.
• “I’m the Hooker with a Heart of Gold” from Pretty Woman: When Pretty Woman was released in 1990, it quickly became an iconic movie with unforgettable moments. When Vivian, played by Julia Roberts, isn’t afraid to declare “I’m the hooker with the heart of gold” to the corporate big-shot Barney Thompson, played by Ralph Bellamy, the audience seeks inspiration as an iconic moment is created.
• “I’ll Have What She’s Having” from When Harry Met Sally: An award-winning classic comedy, When Harry Met Sally was an instant hit. When diner footage of Meg Ryan famously announces “I’ll have what she’s having” while enjoying a meal, the iconic moment goes down in history as the catchphrase of a generation.
The Academy Awards has been a staple in cinematic history since 1929, and in that time, there have been many moments that have left audiences laughing, crying, and clamoring for more. From memorable bas carpet appearances to inspiring acceptance speeches and memorable moments from Oscar-winning films, the Academy Awards have scooped up some of Hollywood’s most iconic and most beloved moments over the past few decades. While the Academy Awards are sure to keep inspiring and making for stand out moments for years to come, these iconic occurrences will remain as some of the moments that made red carpet history.
