The nearly century-long run of the Academy Awards has been marked by historic wins, quotable speeches, iconic outfits and regrettable blunders.

Take a look at some of the most memorable moments from past ceremonies.

<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3De7t4pTNZshA" target="_blank">Hattie McDaniel made history</a> in 1940 when she became the first Black performer to win a competitive Academy Award for acting. She won best supporting actress for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2023%2F09%2F26%2Fentertainment%2Fhattie-mcdaniel-academy-award%2Findex.html">Her award</a> was a plaque as opposed to a statuette — customary for supporting actor awards given in the late ’30s and early ‘40s.
Hattie McDaniel made history in 1940 when she became the first Black performer to win a competitive Academy Award for acting. She won best supporting actress for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” Her award was a plaque as opposed to a statuette — customary for supporting actor awards given in the late ’30s and early ‘40s.
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Rita Moreno was the<strong> </strong>first Latina actress to win an Oscar, for her supporting role in 1961's “West Side Story." She later went on to win two Emmys, a Grammy and a Tony, joining the elite group of people to gain EGOT status.
Rita Moreno was the first Latina actress to win an Oscar, for her supporting role in 1961's “West Side Story." She later went on to win two Emmys, a Grammy and a Tony, joining the elite group of people to gain EGOT status.
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<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F01%2F07%2Fentertainment%2Fgallery%2Fsidney-poitier%2Findex.html">Sidney Poitier</a> became the first Black man to win the best actor award, for his performance in 1963's “Lilies of the Field.” Poitier also received an honorary Oscar in 2002, the same year Denzel Washington became the second Black actor to ever win best actor.
Sidney Poitier became the first Black man to win the best actor award, for his performance in 1963's “Lilies of the Field.” Poitier also received an honorary Oscar in 2002, the same year Denzel Washington became the second Black actor to ever win best actor.
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There was a rare two-way tie in 1969, when <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2024%2F02%2F24%2Fentertainment%2Fgallery%2Fbarbra-streisand%2Findex.html">Barbra Streisand</a> and Katharine Hepburn, not pictured, each received 3,030 votes for best actress. It was the first exact tie in a main Oscar category. In 1932, the best actor Oscar was shared by Fredric March and Wallace Beery. Beery actually received one less vote than March, but it resulted in a tie winner according to academy rules of the day.
There was a rare two-way tie in 1969, when Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn, not pictured, each received 3,030 votes for best actress. It was the first exact tie in a main Oscar category. In 1932, the best actor Oscar was shared by Fredric March and Wallace Beery. Beery actually received one less vote than March, but it resulted in a tie winner according to academy rules of the day.
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Marlon Brando’s role in “The Godfather” earned him the best actor award, but he didn’t attend the 1973 ceremony in protest. Native American actress and activist <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F10%2F03%2Fentertainment%2Fsacheen-littlefeather-dead-marlon-brando-intl-scli%2Findex.html">Sacheen Littlefeather</a> attended on his behalf and rejected the award by proxy. “He very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award, and the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry and on television, in movie reruns, and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee,” she said in <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2QUacU0I4yU" target="_blank">her speech</a>.
Marlon Brando’s role in “The Godfather” earned him the best actor award, but he didn’t attend the 1973 ceremony in protest. Native American actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather attended on his behalf and rejected the award by proxy. “He very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award, and the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry and on television, in movie reruns, and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee,” she said in her speech.
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Oscars host David Niven and the crowd were stunned when a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEWBc-ir6IFM%26t%3D116s" target="_blank">streaker ran across the stage</a> during the 1974 ceremony. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen,” Niven said. “But 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?”
Oscars host David Niven and the crowd were stunned when a streaker ran across the stage during the 1974 ceremony. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen,” Niven said. “But 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?”
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In 1974, Tatum O’Neal became the youngest-ever Oscar winner, a title she still holds to this day. The 10-year-old won best supporting actress for her role in “Paper Moon,” where she starred alongside her father, Ryan O’Neal.
In 1974, Tatum O’Neal became the youngest-ever Oscar winner, a title she still holds to this day. The 10-year-old won best supporting actress for her role in “Paper Moon,” where she starred alongside her father, Ryan O’Neal.
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When Louise Fletcher won the best actress award in 1976, for her role in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," she ended her acceptance speech with a personal message to her parents. “To my mother and my father, I want to say thank you for teaching me to have a dream. You are seeing my dream come true,” she said while also <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpGl5U7nNlkY" target="_blank">communicating through sign language</a>. Both of Fletcher's parents were deaf.
When Louise Fletcher won the best actress award in 1976, for her role in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," she ended her acceptance speech with a personal message to her parents. “To my mother and my father, I want to say thank you for teaching me to have a dream. You are seeing my dream come true,” she said while also communicating through sign language. Both of Fletcher's parents were deaf.
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Boxer Muhammad Ali and actor Sylvester Stallone <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Do3g7kclmm0I%26t%3D1s" target="_blank">pretended to spar</a> on stage before announcing the best actress winner in 1977. “I’m the real Apollo Creed. You stole my script,” Ali said, referencing a character in Stallone’s 1976 film “Rocky.”
Boxer Muhammad Ali and actor Sylvester Stallone pretended to spar on stage before announcing the best actress winner in 1977. “I’m the real Apollo Creed. You stole my script,” Ali said, referencing a character in Stallone’s 1976 film “Rocky.”
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Johnny Carson and Miss Piggy introduced Kermit the Frog’s wholesome performance of “Rainbow Connection” at the 1980 Academy Awards. The song was written for “The Muppet Movie” and earned two Oscar nominations that year.
Johnny Carson and Miss Piggy introduced Kermit the Frog’s wholesome performance of “Rainbow Connection” at the 1980 Academy Awards. The song was written for “The Muppet Movie” and earned two Oscar nominations that year.
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<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2023%2F02%2F26%2Fentertainment%2Fgallery%2Fsally-field%2Findex.html">Sally Field</a> won her second best actress Oscar for her role in 1984's “Places in the Heart.” During her speech, she said: "I can't deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!" The memorable moment is often misquoted today.
Sally Field won her second best actress Oscar for her role in 1984's “Places in the Heart.” During her speech, she said: "I can't deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!" The memorable moment is often misquoted today.
AP
Cher's black sequined gown and towering feather headdress from designer Bob Mackie <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fstyle%2Farticle%2Fcher-remember-when%2Findex.html">made a statement</a> at the 1986 Oscars, and it has become one of the most memorable outfits in the ceremony's history. “As you can see, I did receive my Academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress,” she deadpanned into the microphone while presenting the award for best supporting actor.
Cher's black sequined gown and towering feather headdress from designer Bob Mackie made a statement at the 1986 Oscars, and it has become one of the most memorable outfits in the ceremony's history. “As you can see, I did receive my Academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress,” she deadpanned into the microphone while presenting the award for best supporting actor.
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Rob Lowe and Eileen Bowman, an actress playing Snow White, opened the 1989 Oscars with a musical number that became one of the most widely mocked moments in the ceremony’s history.
Rob Lowe and Eileen Bowman, an actress playing Snow White, opened the 1989 Oscars with a musical number that became one of the most widely mocked moments in the ceremony’s history.
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Nine-time Oscar host Billy Crystal <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Da9cERvUX6sE%26t%3D4s" target="_blank">entered the 1992 ceremony</a> strapped to a gurney and wearing a Hannibal Lecter mask. Crystal approached Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs” to ask: "I'm having some of the Academy over for dinner. Care to join me?" Later in the ceremony, “The Silence of the Lambs” took home five awards and became the first horror film to win best picture.
Nine-time Oscar host Billy Crystal entered the 1992 ceremony strapped to a gurney and wearing a Hannibal Lecter mask. Crystal approached Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs” to ask: "I'm having some of the Academy over for dinner. Care to join me?" Later in the ceremony, “The Silence of the Lambs” took home five awards and became the first horror film to win best picture.
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Less than a year after a horse-riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, "Superman" actor <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DffSy3-PJ5QI" target="_blank">Christopher Reeve made an appearance </a>at the 1996 Academy Awards. He was met with a roaring and tearful standing ovation from the crowd before speaking about movies' power to address social issues.
Less than a year after a horse-riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve made an appearance at the 1996 Academy Awards. He was met with a roaring and tearful standing ovation from the crowd before speaking about movies' power to address social issues.
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The romance epic "Titanic" won 11 Oscars in 1998, including best picture and best director for James Cameron, seen here. The film is tied with "Ben-Hur" (1959) and "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" (2003) for the most wins in Academy Awards history.
The romance epic "Titanic" won 11 Oscars in 1998, including best picture and best director for James Cameron, seen here. The film is tied with "Ben-Hur" (1959) and "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" (2003) for the most wins in Academy Awards history.
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Singer Björk showed up to the 2001 Academy Awards in a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fstyle%2Farticle%2Fbjork-swan-dress-remember-when%2Findex.html">Marjan Pejoski swan gown</a>. Although it landed her on multiple worst-dressed lists and became the subject of parodies, the gown has since been honored by the Museum of Modern Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fstyle%2Farticle%2Fmost-unforgettable-oscars-looks%2Findex.html">See more unforgettable looks in Oscars history. </a>
Singer Björk showed up to the 2001 Academy Awards in a Marjan Pejoski swan gown. Although it landed her on multiple worst-dressed lists and became the subject of parodies, the gown has since been honored by the Museum of Modern Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. See more unforgettable looks in Oscars history.
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In 2002, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win best actress, earning the award for her performance in "Monster's Ball." In a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DllgL7mGYVTI%26t%3D129s" target="_blank">tearful acceptance speech</a>, she said: "This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It's for the women that stand beside me: Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. And it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened."
In 2002, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win best actress, earning the award for her performance in "Monster's Ball." In a tearful acceptance speech, she said: "This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It's for the women that stand beside me: Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. And it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened."
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Heath Ledger posthumously won a best supporting actor Oscar in 2009 for his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight." Ledger was 28 when he died from a prescription medication overdose. Ledger's parents and sister accepted the award on his behalf.
Heath Ledger posthumously won a best supporting actor Oscar in 2009 for his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight." Ledger was 28 when he died from a prescription medication overdose. Ledger's parents and sister accepted the award on his behalf.
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Kathryn Bigelow made history in 2010 when she became the first woman to win the Oscar for best director. She won for her film "The Hurt Locker."
Kathryn Bigelow made history in 2010 when she became the first woman to win the Oscar for best director. She won for her film "The Hurt Locker."
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Host Ellen DeGeneres gathered some of the most recognizable faces in the crowd for a group selfie during the 2014 Oscars. Bradley Cooper, front right, is taking the photo, which included Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong'o, Angelina Jolie and Peter Nyong'o. "If only Bradley's arm was longer," <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FTheEllenShow%2Fstatus%2F440322224407314432" target="_blank">DeGeneres wrote in a social media post.</a> "Best photo ever."
Host Ellen DeGeneres gathered some of the most recognizable faces in the crowd for a group selfie during the 2014 Oscars. Bradley Cooper, front right, is taking the photo, which included Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong'o, Angelina Jolie and Peter Nyong'o. "If only Bradley's arm was longer," DeGeneres wrote in a social media post. "Best photo ever."
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An <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGCQn_FkFElI%26t%3D7s" target="_blank">envelope mix-up</a> led to confusion when it was time to announce the best picture winner in 2017. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway initially announced "La La Land" as the winner, but they had been given the envelope for best actress instead. "La La Land" producer Jordan Horowitz announced the actual winner, "Moonlight," to the audience and held up the winner card for the camera.
An envelope mix-up led to confusion when it was time to announce the best picture winner in 2017. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway initially announced "La La Land" as the winner, but they had been given the envelope for best actress instead. "La La Land" producer Jordan Horowitz announced the actual winner, "Moonlight," to the audience and held up the winner card for the camera.
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In 2020, "Parasite" became <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F02%2F09%2Fentertainment%2Foscars-2020%2Findex.html">the first non-English language film to win best picture</a>. It also won best original screenplay, best international feature film and best director for Bong Joon Ho, seen here. “Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win,” he said.
In 2020, "Parasite" became the first non-English language film to win best picture. It also won best original screenplay, best international feature film and best director for Bong Joon Ho, seen here. “Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win,” he said.
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An <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F03%2F27%2Fentertainment%2Fgallery%2F2022-academy-awards-photos%2Findex.html">evening of historic and diverse winners</a> was overshadowed in 2022 when actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, before presenting an award. Will Smith would go on to win the Oscar for best actor later in the night, and in a tearful acceptance speech he apologized to the Academy for the slap. The next month, the Academy punished Smith by <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F04%2F08%2Fentertainment%2Fwill-smith-academy-sanctions-decision%2Findex.html">banning him from the awards show</a> for 10 years.
An evening of historic and diverse winners was overshadowed in 2022 when actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, before presenting an award. Will Smith would go on to win the Oscar for best actor later in the night, and in a tearful acceptance speech he apologized to the Academy for the slap. The next month, the Academy punished Smith by banning him from the awards show for 10 years.
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