The Most Memorable Moments in Academy Awards History

Every year, we tune in to the Academy Awards to catch a glimpse of the stars that make us laugh and cry. The show doesn't always go off without a hitch. Invariably, someone says or does something that leaves us both shocked and laughing ourselves silly. We hold ourselves in suspense over the anticipation of what will happen this year or the next. These are what memorable moments are made of.

These are some of the most memorable moments in the history of the Academy Awards:

The Strange One:
During the 2009 Academy Awards show, actor Ben Stiller walked out on stage with his head down, donning sunglasses and a beard. At first glance, we would think it were Joaquin Phoenix walking out on that stage. Audience members and viewers realized it was Stiller, mocking Phoenix's sudden strangeness. You know, since he had made an appearance on David Letterman and all claiming he was going to quit acting and go into rapping.

Robert Opel: They Call Him the Streak!
In 1974, art gallery owner and photographer Robert Opel ran across the stage in all his naked glory sporting nothing but a peace sign.

Rage Against the Machine:
In 2003, Michael Moore won an Oscar for "Bowling for Columbine." During his acceptance speech, audience members booed him for railing against then-President George Bush.

They did what?
In 2000, Angelina Jolie and her brother, James Haven Voight, raised eyebrows with their public display of affection. Jolie won an Oscar that year for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Girl Interrupted." During her acceptance speech, Angelina said, "I'm in shock. And I'm so in love with my brother right now, he just held me and said he loved me..." Say what?

That Was Some Kiss:
In 1993, actor Adrien Brody appeared on stage to accept his Oscar for Best Actor for his role in "The Pianist." Brody grabbed hold of Halle Berry, who was a presenter, and planted quite the passionate kiss on her lips. Va-Va-Va-Voom, Adrien!

Joan vs. Bette:
Most of us know what kind of attention-monger Joan Crawford was. In 1963, Bette Davis was nominated for her role in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" while Crawford was left out in the cold. Crawford set out on a mission and began contacting other nominees to tell them that if they were unable to attend and accept their awards, she would accept on their behalf. That night, Anne Bancroft won but was unable to be at the awards. Crawford took to the stage and, under the glare of Bette Davis' eyes, accepted the award in Bancroft's place.

What's Jupiter Got to do With It?
During the 1999 Academy Awards show, an excited Roberto Benigni leapt over chairs and audience members as he made his way to the stage to accept his award for Best Actor for his role in "Life is Beautiful." Apparently, his excitement was still boiling when he attempted his acceptance speech. Through broken English, Benigni said, "I am not able to express all my gratitude because now, my body is in tumult because it is a colossal moment of joy...I would like to be Jupiter and kidnap everybody and lie down making love to everybody because I don't know how to express, a question of love." Whoa there, Roberto! Take a deep break and start over again.

The One-Armed Bandit:
During the 1992 Academy Awards, actor Jack Palance, then 73-years old, dropped to the stage and proceeded to do one-handed push-ups after winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in "City Slickers." The show was being hosted by Billy Crystal and couldn't resist making Palance's antics a running gag that continued through the remainder of the show. He would say Palance was backstage on the Stairmaster, or that Palance had just bungee-jumped off the Hollywood sign.

The following year, Crystal hosted the show once again. He arrived on stage on top of a giant Oscar statuette being towed by the teeth of none other than Jack Palance.

In Protest:
In 1972, actor Marlon Brando, in an attempt at making a political statement in protest to the film industries treatment of Native Americans, refused to accept his award for Best Actor for his role in "The Godfather." Instead, he sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather, wearing Apache dress, in his place to read his speech.

There you have it, the most memorable moments in Academy Awards history. Some made us laugh, some left us scratching our heads, and others left us shocked. But one thing they all have in common is that they will forever be burned in our memories, and those we won't soon forget.

See Also: Review of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards; Jeff Bridges Wins Best Actor

Source:
Life-long Academy Awards Viewer
The Oscars Big Moments - Memorable or Forgettable