Award shows are often filled with glitz, glamour, and anticipation. While they celebrate the achievements of the entertainment industry’s finest, they also provide unforgettable moments that can make us smile, laugh, and even tear up. From unexpected surprises to heartwarming speeches, award shows have a special way of connecting us to our favorite celebrities and reminding us of the shared human experiences behind the awards.
Read Also: How Ambiguous Endings Can Lead to Sequels
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most memorable award show moments that have made us smile, from funny mishaps to touching tributes. These moments remind us that, at their core, award shows are about celebrating talent and the joy of being recognized for hard work, while offering a dose of much-needed entertainment.
The Oscars: A Night of Surprises and Laughter
The Academy Awards is perhaps the most iconic award show, where actors, directors, and creatives from all over the world gather to celebrate cinematic achievements. Over the years, the Oscars have seen a number of memorable moments that left us smiling, and some of them were completely unexpected.
1. The “La La Land” and “Moonlight” Mix-Up (2017)
One of the most unforgettable moments in Oscar history came in 2017, when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as the winner of Best Picture, only for the award to be corrected moments later, with Moonlight actually being the rightful winner. The ensuing chaos was a mixture of confusion, humility, and laughter, as the La La Land team graciously handed over the statuette to Moonlight’s cast and crew. While the mix-up was initially awkward, it became a moment of joy as the true winners were celebrated in a unique and memorable way.
2. Parasite’s Historic Win (2020)
When Parasite made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, it was a moment that had everyone smiling and cheering. The excitement and emotion were palpable as Bong Joon-ho and the entire cast took the stage, celebrating a landmark achievement in cinema. It was a triumph for global filmmaking and a heartwarming reminder that great storytelling transcends language, bringing people together from all walks of life.
3. The “Oscar Selfie” (2014)
One of the most viral moments in recent Oscar history was the iconic Oscar selfie taken by Ellen DeGeneres during the 2014 Academy Awards. Featuring a star-studded cast of A-listers, including Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Lupita Nyong’o, the selfie quickly became the most retweeted image of all time. The casual fun of the moment and the spontaneity of the actors made this moment a lighthearted and joyous highlight of the evening.
The Golden Globes: A Night of Fun and Heartfelt Moments
The Golden Globe Awards are known for their relaxed atmosphere, where celebrities let their hair down and enjoy the festivities. The night often brings out some of the funniest and most genuine moments in award show history.
1. Ricky Gervais’ Hilarious Hosting (2010-2012)
The British comedian Ricky Gervais made a name for himself as the host of the Golden Globe Awards in the early 2010s with his sharp wit and no-holds-barred humor. His irreverent jokes poking fun at Hollywood’s elite had the audience in stitches. Though his humor sparked some controversy, his ability to balance cheeky humor with sharp commentary made his hosting stints some of the most memorable moments in Golden Globe history.
2. Jennifer Lawrence’s Fall (2013)
One of the most relatable moments in award show history was Jennifer Lawrence’s fall at the 2013 Oscars. As she made her way to the stage to accept her Best Actress Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence tripped on her dress and fell to the floor. In an endearing display of grace under pressure, she stood up, laughed it off, and went on to deliver a charming acceptance speech. Her humility and down-to-earth personality made this moment one of the most unforgettable and smile-inducing in recent memory.
3. Oprah’s Emotional Win (2018)
When Oprah Winfrey accepted the Golden Globe for Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2018, her speech was a moving call for justice and equality in Hollywood. But it wasn’t just the powerful message that had us smiling—it was the way the audience, including Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon, stood and cheered for Oprah. The moment felt like a celebration of not just Oprah’s career, but of the progress being made toward gender equality in the entertainment industry.
The MTV Video Music Awards: Fun, Surprises, and Iconic Performances
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are often a stage for unforgettable performances, wacky antics, and spontaneous moments that leave us laughing and in awe.
1. Beyoncé’s Pregnancy Reveal (2011)
In a truly unforgettable moment, Beyoncé revealed her pregnancy on stage at the 2011 VMAs. After her performance of “Love on Top,” she opened her jacket to reveal her baby bump, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The moment was filled with joy, as fans celebrated with the pop star. It remains one of the most heartwarming and joyous moments in the history of the VMAs, as it felt like a personal connection between Beyoncé and her fans.
2. Kanye Interrupting Taylor Swift (2009)
While this moment was controversial, it was one that everyone remembers. Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs, declaring that Beyoncé deserved the award instead. Though the incident sparked outrage at the time, it also sparked an iconic moment in pop culture history. Swift’s calm and graceful reaction to the interruption added to the event’s shock value, and it eventually led to one of the most memorable and widely discussed incidents in award show history.
The Tony Awards: Emotional Tributes and Powerful Performances
The Tony Awards, celebrating the best of Broadway, are often filled with inspiring and emotional moments, especially when it comes to honoring those who have contributed to theater.
1. The Cast of “Hamilton” Accepting the Tony for Best Musical (2016)
When Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Hamilton accepted the Best Musical award at the 2016 Tony Awards, the moment was a powerful celebration of not only the show’s success but also the incredible cultural impact it had. The performance of “Alexander Hamilton” left the audience in awe, and the cast’s acceptance speech was heartfelt and filled with gratitude. This moment solidified Hamilton’s place in Broadway history and brought a sense of joy to everyone in the theater.
2. James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke Tribute to Broadway (2016)
During the 2016 Tony Awards, James Corden took the audience by surprise with a Carpool Karaoke segment that featured Broadway stars singing iconic show tunes. Corden’s light-hearted approach and infectious energy had the audience laughing and enjoying the magic of Broadway, making it one of the most fun moments of the night.
Read Also: Rising Music Artists You Need to Hear Now
Award Shows That Bring Us Closer Together
From funny moments and unexpected surprises to emotional speeches and spontaneous reactions, award shows continue to provide us with some of the most memorable, smile-inducing moments in entertainment. These events allow us to connect with the celebrities we admire and celebrate their successes, but they also remind us of the human element behind the glitz and glamour.
Whether it’s a fall on stage, an emotional reveal, or a viral selfie, award shows will always be a source of laughter, joy, and inspiration. As the industry continues to evolve, we can look forward to more heartwarming and unforgettable moments that bring us closer together, celebrate the talent around us, and remind us of the power of entertainment.
