16 Funniest Oscars Moments That Stole the Show
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The Academy Awards, fondly known as the Oscars, are renowned for their glamour, prestige, and unforgettable moments — but then there are the funniest Oscar moments! Beyond the glitz and glamour, there have been instances where the unexpected happened, leaving audiences and celebrities alike in fits of laughter.
From Jennifer Lawrence's endearing clumsiness to Ellen DeGeneres' star-studded selfie, the Oscars have provided no shortage of comedic gold over the years. Whether through unexpected mishaps, playful pranks or hilarious performances, these 16 moments have cemented their place in Hollywood history as some of the funniest Oscar moments of all time.
Related: 13 Fun Facts About the Academy Awards
While audiences eagerly anticipate each year's ceremony, they can only wonder what new hilarity the Oscars will bring.
16. Adrien Brody's Unexpected Kiss (2003) Funniest Oscars Moments
During his acceptance speech for Best Actor in The Pianist, Adrien Brody surprised everyone by planting a passionate kiss on presenter Halle Berry. The unexpected gesture left both Berry and the audience in shock. Was it planned? Impromptu? Appropriate? Funny? Bad taste? All of the above?
15. Seth MacFarlane's Sang We Saw Your Boobs Song (2013)
As host of the Oscars, Seth MacFarlane raised eyebrows with his controversial musical number, We Saw Your Boobs, which referenced actresses' nude scenes in films. While divisive, the irreverent song certainly made waves in the industry. Was this funny or bad taste? We’ll let you decide.
14. Roberto Benigni's Joyous Celebration (1999) Funniest Oscars Moments
Roberto Benigni's exuberant reaction to winning Best Foreign Language Film for Life Is Beautiful remains one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history. From climbing over seats to joyfully embracing fellow attendees, Benigni's infectious enthusiasm stole the show.
13. Melissa McCarthy and Brian Tyree Henry's Costume Stunt (2019)
Melissa McCarthy and Brian Tyree Henry took to the stage in elaborate costumes to announce the award for best costume designer. McCarthy's over-the-top regalia, complete with a rabbit puppet, provided a comedic highlight of the evening.
12. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin's Opening Monologue (2010): Funniest Oscars Moments
As co-hosts of the Oscars, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin kicked off the ceremony with a hilarious opening monologue. Their witty banter and comedic timing set the tone for an entertaining evening. The two have strong on-screen chemistry that leaves us wanting more.
11. Björk's Swan Dress (2001)
Björk turned heads at the Oscars with her unconventional swan dress, complete with a headpiece resembling the bird's neck. While certainly eccentric, the avant-garde ensemble sparked laughter and became an iconic fashion moment.
10. John Travolta's "Adele Dazeem" Flub (2014) Funniest Oscars Moments
During the introduction of Idina Menzel's performance of Let It Go from Frozen, John Travolta famously mispronounced her name as "Adele Dazeem." The blunder quickly went viral, spawning memes and endless jokes.
Related: John Travolta Young: Must-See Photos of the Superstar Through the Years
9. Sacha Baron Cohen's Red Carpet Stunt (2012):
Sacha Baron Cohen made a memorable entrance at the Oscars by arriving in character as Admiral General Aladeen from The Dictator. The comedic actor's outrageous antics, including spilling an urn of "Kim Jong-il's ashes" on the red carpet, shocked and amused onlookers.
8. Angelina Jolie's Leg Pose (2012) Funniest Oscars Moments
Angelina Jolie's striking leg-baring pose on the Oscars red carpet became an instant sensation, spawning numerous memes and imitations. The actress' sultry stance provided a lighthearted moment amidst the glamour of the event.
7. A Streaker Runs on Stage (1974)
David Niven was hosting the Oscars in 1974 and Elizabeth Taylor was about to present the award for Best Picture when the unexpected happened: A naked man streaked across the stage to everyone’s shock. Niven didn’t skip a bit, when he said, "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?"
Related: Candid Pictures Reveal One of Elizabeth Taylor’s Lesser Known Roles: Being a Mother
6. Robin Williams Performs Blame Canada (2000) Funniest Oscars Moments
Robin Williams could always get people laughing and he did just that when he performed Blame Canada, a Best Original Song nominee from the animated film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999), at the 72nd Academy Awards. Williams' performance was highlighted by marching protesters singing backup and a dancing kick line of leggy Mounties.
Related: ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Turns 30! See the Beloved Cast Then and Now
5. Jennifer Lawrence's Tripping Mishap (2013)
As Jennifer Lawrence ascended the stage to accept her Oscar for Best Actress in Silver Linings Playbook, she stumbled on her gown's voluminous train — and then fell up the stairs. In true Lawrence fashion, she recovered gracefully, quipping, "You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell. And that’s really embarrassing.”
Her grace, at the young age of 22 no less, is a lesson to us all. She fell in front of 40 million viewers and yet, still held her head high and laughed at herself. That’s what makes her a true star and someone we admire deeply.
4. Jimmy Kimmel Has Candy Rain Down from the Rafters (2017) Funniest Oscars Moments
Another favorite moment of ours is from Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting ceremony in 2017. He asks the stars if they were hungry, if they need anything and then he has them close their eyes and make a wish. Then candy comes floating down from the rafters in parachutes. Kimmel's playful pranks added a comedic flair to the ceremony, and the A-list celebs got into the spirit.
3. Will Ferrell and Jack Black's Sing You’re Boring (2004)
Will Ferrell and Jack Black brought the house down with their comedic rendition of You're Boring during the Oscars. The duo's playful jab at lengthy acceptance speeches injected a much-needed dose of humor into the ceremony. The duo are hilarious as they sing this song.
Related: The Best Will Ferrell Movies, Ranked: 10 Films That’ll Leave You in Stitches
2. Ellen DeGeneres' Star-Studded Selfie (2014) Funniest Oscars Moments
Ellen DeGeneres made Oscar history when she orchestrated a star-studded selfie featuring A-list celebrities like Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Lawrence. The impromptu moment became the most retweeted photo of that time, showcasing DeGeneres' comedic genius. The a-list celebs were good sports and played along.
Related: Meryl Streep Young: See How Much the Actress Has Changed Over the Years
1. Jimmy Kimmel Brings a Group of Tourists to the Oscars (2017)
As host of the Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel delighted audiences with his mischievous antics. One of our favorite moments is when he brings a group of tourists to the Oscars.
They think they are going to an exhibit to see dresses and gowns and instead he brings them inside the award show and introduces them to celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and Meryl Streep. These surprised tourists are literally coming face-to-face (and shaking hands with) Hollywood’s most famous actors and actresses.
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