Last year, the Oscars were full of surprising moments (yes, John Cena presenting an award in nothing but Birks still lives in our minds rent-free), and this year is no different. The attendees at the coveted awards show may be A-listers, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to an awkward situation or two. Just think about it: Aside from walking red carpets in gorgeous couture gowns and landing nominations for the most prestigious film award in all the land...celebs are just like us!
Get ready to sift through the most awkward moments from the 2025 Oscars, because they’re right here for your scrolling pleasure. First up, we have....
Halle Berry recreating her infamous Oscars kiss with Adrien Brody
In 2003, Adrien Brody kissed Halle Berry on stage when he won Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Pianist. Halle got some payback on this year’s red carpet, when she planted a smooch on Adrien.
Conan O’Brien joking about Karla Sofía Gascón’s drama in the opening monologue
Yep, Karla’s Twitter activity made its way to the Oscars opening monologue...and leave it to Conan O’Brien to tell the joke while she was legit in the crowd. She seemed to handle it well, and his joke landed when he made a playful jab at last year’s host, Jimmy Kimmel.
Goldie Hawn asking Andrew Garfield to read the teleprompter
Andrew, his slutty little glasses, and Goldie presented the award for Best Animated Feature. After Andrew shared an earnest moment with the iconic actor and told her how she brought his late mother a lot of joy during her life, Goldie then asked him to read the teleprompter because she couldn’t see. A lotta sweet but a little awkward.
Bowen Yang wearing his Wicked costume onstage
Okay, so this was 100 percent part of his bit, but Bowen wore his Shiz University uniform on stage with fashion darlings Lily-Rose Depp and Elle Fanning for some fun, intentional awkwardness. Of course, they presented the award for Best Costume Design, and his risk was worth it as Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to take the Oscar home.
Lily-Rose Depp presenting in front of a blown-up image of her ex, Timothée Chalamet
Speaking of Lily, there was a moment when a blown-up sketch of her ex, Timmy, appeared behind her as she presented Best Costume Design. Not to mention...she did it in front of him and his current girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
Ben Stiller bouncing through a stage riser
Severance executive producer and director, Ben Stiller, presented the award for Production Design through a stage riser that got “stuck” in another bit full of of intentional awkwardness. He eventually hopped onto the stage, but it wasn’t without bumps along the way.
The Emilia Pérez songwriters singing during their acceptance speech
Yes, they won for Best Original Song. Clément Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard accepted the award and toward the end, Camille broke out into song. Sorry to 16-time nominee Diane Warren who had to lose and sit through this.
The Academy mistaking Benny Blanco for Bad Bunny
The Academy posted a behind-the-scenes pic of Selena and Benny at the Oscars, but they mistakenly referred to him as Bad Bunny.
The original post has since been deleted, and The Academy issued a correction:
Benny and Benito, lo siento!
Karla Sofía Gascón allegedly being forced to snub a journalist
According to a report from the New York Times, the Emilia Pérez star walked out to the bar to get a drink when a reporter approached her to talk. She was reportedly “jovial and interested in chatting,” but Netflix’s publicist pulled her away before she could respond. Per the report, Karla grabbed her drink, winked, and “blew a kiss before being whisked away.”
Colman Domingo, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo being the only ones standing and dancing during Queen Latifah’s performance
Queen Latifah honored the late Quincy Jones with a performance of “Ease on Down” from The Wiz. And Colman Domingo, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo were (seemingly) the only ones vibing. Where was the rest of the crowd??
Adrien Brody talking after cut-off music began playing
Adrien Brody took home his second Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role thanks to his role in The Brutalist, and once the cut-off music started playing, he said, “Turn the music, I’ve done this before, thank you.”
