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Host Hugh Jackman performs his comedic opening monologue.
During her acceptance speech for Best Actress for 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' (2017), Frances McDormand promoted the notion of an "inclusion rider." This is a contract stipulation that calls for diversity amongst a movie's cast and crew.
Daniel Day-Lewis goes in to kiss George Clooney on the cheek before he takes the stage to receive the Oscar for Best Actor for 'There Will Be Blood' (2008).
Presenting the Oscar for Best Costume Design, Melissa McCarthy pulled off her best impression of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Anne (from 2018's 'Mary Queen of Scots' and 'The Favourite'), while Brian Tyree Henry went for the Mary Poppins look in homage to 'Mary Poppins Returns' (2018).
Glenn Close made her contribution to 2021's ceremony in a skit toward the end of the night. Comedian Lil Rel Howery asked a few audience members about whether certain songs had history at the Oscars, with DJ Questlove supplying the tracks. When it got to Close's turn, the Oscar-nominated actress shocked everyone with her knowledge of the 1988 Experience Unlimited single 'Da Butt,' which she noted was featured on Spike Lee’s film 'School Daze.'
"That’s 'Da Butt!' It was a classic song by the great Washington, D.C. go-go band EU. Shout outs to Sugar Bear and the Backyard Band and the whole DMV,” she said. “My friends at the Oscars missed it, and it wasn’t nominated so it couldn’t have won, which I think is just an effin’ tragedy."
Then, as if hearing Glenn Close say "shout out" wasn't enough, she proceeded to show off her moves, shaking her butt on the international broadcast and earning instant viral fame. Scripted or not, it was a legendary moment in Oscars history, and many viewers say it was the best moment of the otherwise lackluster 2021 ceremony.
In 2022, the world was shocked to see Will Smith march onstage and slap Chris Rock after the comedian made a dig at Jada Pinkett Smith, who struggles with alopecia. "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it, all right?" Rock quipped, referencing her recently shaved head. Smith left his seat, climbed onto the stage, and slapped Rock in the face. When he returned to his seat, Rock tried to maintain composure and said, "Wow, Will Smith just smacked the s—t out of me!" Smith then yelled back, "Keep my wife's name out of your f—king mouth." Later, Smith won Best Actor for his role in 'King Richard' and apologized for his outburst, relating himself to his winning role. "Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father," he said. "Love will make you do crazy things." It was certainly the wildest thing to occur at the Oscars in many years. Smith received a 10-year ban from the Academy while Chris Rock turned down his invitation to present again at the 2023 ceremony.
On a more pleasant note, Troy Kotsur made history in 2022 as the first deaf man to earn an acting Oscar. He received the award for Best Supporting Actor for the movie 'Coda.'
See also: The best of the worst: Stars nominated for Oscars and Razzies
The annual Academy Awards ceremony is a slick and usually flawless Hollywood affair. But sometimes things go sideways, as they did in 2022 when Will Smith mounted the stage and slapped Chris Rock across the face. Fortunately, the glittering occasion is also known for its many funny and lighthearted moments, as well as history-making moments of diversity and inclusion.
As the 95th Academy Awards approach, we have to wonder what this year's ceremony will bring... In the meantime, click through the gallery for a look back at some of the most memorable Oscar antics so far.
The most memorable Oscar moments of the past 20 years
Which of these moments is your favorite?
MOVIES Academy awards
The annual Academy Awards ceremony is a slick and usually flawless Hollywood affair. But sometimes things go sideways, as they did in 2022 when Will Smith mounted the stage and slapped Chris Rock across the face. Fortunately, the glittering occasion is also known for its many funny and lighthearted moments, as well as history-making moments of diversity and inclusion.
As the 95th Academy Awards approaches, we have to wonder what this year's ceremony will bring... In the meantime, click through the gallery for a look back at some of the most memorable Oscar antics so far.