Oscar History

The Oscars always offer up some great laughs, some touching moments, and at least a few painful acceptance speeches.

If you are into movies or Hollywood, there is no doubt that there is nothing else quite like. Below are some of my favorite moments from years past.

1939

Okay, so I wasn’t around to witness the 1939 Academy Awards, but it makes my list because it was the first year a black performer won an Oscar. Hattie McDaniel won for her supporting role in Gone with the Wind. She was so overcome by the moment that she returned to her seat, buried her face in her hands and wept.

1973

In a most unusual move Marlon Brando decided to skip the awards ceremony in protest over the academy’s treatment of Native Americans. He sent struggling actress Maria Cruz dressed as a Native American activist called Sacheen Little feather to refuse the award.

1974

While actor David Niven was introducing presenter Liz Taylor, a man by the name of Robert Ope streaked across the stage. Quick-witted Niven famously quipped, “Isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”

1978

While serving as presenter for the Best Actress award, Shirley McClaine suddenly burst out with, “I want to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of my little brother, my dear, sweet, talented brother.” She was referring to Warren Beatty who was up for several awards for his work in Heaven Can Wait. McClaine then added, “Just think what you could accomplish if you tried celibacy.”

1986

Upset by receiving an Academy memo explaining “how to dress like a serious actress” Cher predictably rebelled and arrived in an over-the-top Bob Mackie dress complete with headdress, exposed abdomen, and a dominatrix-like top and collar.

1992

Jack Palance provided the Oscars with one of its truly unforgettable moments when he dropped to the stage to do a series of one-handed push-ups in an effort to prove his virility.

1995

No matter how much we may love David Letterman after he hosted the 1995 Academy Awards we learned that his shtick works best from his stage. One example of Letterman’s many failed attempts at humor that night was his repeated introduction of Uma Thurman to Oprah Winfrey – over and over he introduced them, much to the annoyance of everyone.

1997

A truly feel-good moment – and one of those excitingly unexpected surprises was when newcomers Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Best Writing Oscar for Goodwill Hunting beating out Woody Allen and other well-known writers.

2000

Halle Berry made history as the first woman of color to win for Best Actress. She gave a touching speech acknowledging that “this award is for those who’ve gone before me” and “for those who stand beside me.”

2000

Halle Berry was part of a history making moment twice during the 2000 Academy Awards. The other time was when Adrien Brody, overcome by his win as Best Actor, took Halle in his arms and planted a passionate kiss on her lips.

2007

After being passed over for many years Martin Scorsese finally won an Oscar for Best Director. While accepting his award he quipped, “Could you double check the envelop?”

2009

Few will forget the heartfelt speech given by Heath Ledger’s family as they accepted his Best Actor award. Ledger was awarded an Oscar posthumously for his role as the Joker in The Dark Night.

2011

When Melissa Leo accepted her Oscar for her role in The Fighter she was so flustered that she waved at the people sitting in the mezzanine and then she proceeded to drop the f-bomb saying, “When I watched Kate two years ago, it looked so f—ing easy!”

Here is a nice collection of Award special moments