Oscars 2026: Unforgettable Cringe Moments We Wish We Could Erase
As the star-studded Oscars ceremony approaches on Monday, movie enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating which films from the past year will secure prestigious awards. Simultaneously, there is an unspoken expectation for celebrities to inadvertently create embarrassing spectacles or generate the next major pop culture phenomenon of 2026. Before new moments capture the spotlight, let us revisit some of the most shocking and cringe-worthy incidents from Oscars history that many would prefer to forget.
For Perth residents enthusiastic about waking up early, the Red Carpet Live Show will be available from 5.30am on Seven and 7plus. The awards ceremony itself is scheduled to commence at 7am, with an encore screening later at 6pm.
Adrien Brody's Unauthorized Kiss on Halle Berry - 2003
This incident generated extensive headlines and caught everyone off guard, particularly Halle Berry. Berry was presenting the Best Actor award, which Adrien Brody won for his performance in The Pianist. Before delivering his acceptance speech, Brody embraced Berry and planted an unexpected kiss on her lips. "I bet they didn't tell you that (kiss) was in the gift bag," Brody humorously remarked.
In a 2006 interview with Access Hollywood, Berry was questioned about whether Brody was a proficient kisser. She responded, "Since we didn't really kiss, I can't tell you how good he was, but I can tell you this. He was wet." Brody faced significant backlash for his non-consensual action, a topic that resurfaced repeatedly in subsequent years.
During a 2017 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Berry recounted the event, stating, "I was like, 'What the f..k is happening right now?' That is what was going through my mind." She explained that, understanding the surreal feeling of being on stage, she decided to go along with it despite her confusion.
Brody addressed the controversy earlier this year in an interview with Variety, noting, "We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing... And nothing that I ever do or have done or would've done is ever done with the intention of making anyone feel bad." Berry eventually obtained her retribution at the 2025 Oscars by kissing Brody on the red carpet, sharing a video on Instagram with the caption, "Surpriseee @adrienbrody!! I had to get some payback."
Jennifer Lawrence's Embarrassing Fall - 2013
This moment rapidly went viral across social media platforms and is undoubtedly one The Hunger Games star would like to erase from memory. While ascending the stairs to accept the Best Actress award for Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence tripped and fell. Her voluminous strapless Dior dress was identified as the culprit behind this globally streamed mishap.
Production designer Derek McLane, who was present in the audience, expressed his horror to Harper's Bazaar in 2017, recalling, "I thought someone had spilled something and then I realised it was her dress. She got caught on it. Thank God she was okay."
Anne Hathaway's Unfortunate Dress Choice - 2013
It appears that many share the opinion that this particular dress did not favor Anne Hathaway. The pink Prada gown was a last-minute selection after her original Valentino dress was considered too similar to another attendee's outfit. Fashion critics harshly criticized the garment's rigid silhouette, and Hathaway later commented, "It looked like my nipples were hard." That same year, she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Les Miserables.
Pharrell Williams' Unconventional Attire - 2014
Was it a fashionable statement or a misstep? The music icon sparked widespread discussion in 2014 when he arrived at the Oscars wearing shorts and no socks. While the choice was questionable, fashion experts praised Williams as one of Hollywood's most daring male risk-takers.
La La Land and Moonlight Best Picture Mix-Up - 2017
This incident ranks among the most memorable Oscars moments, one that presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty likely wish to forget. When announcing the crucial Best Picture award, they incorrectly declared La La Land as the winner instead of Moonlight. The producers of La La Land were over two minutes into their acceptance speeches when producer Jordan Horowitz interrupted, stating, "Guys, I'm sorry there's a mistake. Moonlight, you guys won Best Picture."
This surreal live television moment occurred because Dunaway and Beatty were handed the incorrect envelope, which displayed the Best Actress winner Emma Stone's name above the words La La Land.
Will Smith's Infamous Slap - 2022
Arguably one of the most significant pop culture events of the year was when Will Smith struck Chris Rock across the face at the 2022 Oscars. The controversy ignited when Rock, while presenting the Best Documentary (Feature) award, directed a joke at Jada Pinkett Smith, referencing G.I. Jane 2.
The camera captured Pinkett Smith rolling her eyes, while Smith initially appeared to laugh. Moments later, Smith unexpectedly approached Rock on stage and slapped him. A stunned Rock exclaimed, "Will Smith just smacked the s..t out of me," to which Smith yelled twice, "Keep my wife's name out of your f..king mouth." Following the incident, Smith resigned from the Academy.
Emilia Perez Controversy - 2025
This controversial musical crime comedy from 2024, featuring Karla Sofia Gascon as a Mexican cartel leader who transitions with the help of an attorney played by Zoe Saldana, garnered 13 nominations at the 2025 Oscars. However, it provoked substantial upset within the Mexican community due to its portrayal of drug cartels.
The LGBTIQ+ community also criticized the film's representation of transgender individuals, with additional outrage arising from racist and offensive comments made by Gascon that resurfaced on social media. Gascon apologized and deleted her account, avoiding many awards season events, including the 2025 Oscars, due to the backlash.
Despite the controversy, the film won Best Supporting Actress for Saldana and Best Original Song for El Mal. During her acceptance speech, Saldana addressed criticism from a Mexican journalist, stating, "First of all, I'm very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love. I don't share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship. We were making a film about four women."
