Unforgettable Moments: The 10 Most Iconic Oscar Images That Defined Cinema History

1. The Envelope Mix-Up (2017)

During the Oscars in 2017, photographer Al Seib of the Los Angeles Times captured the shocked faces of stars like Meryl Streep and Dwayne Johnson when the best picture winners were announced. It turned out that La La Land didn’t win after all; it was Moonlight! The mistake was not the presenters’ fault, but rather a mix-up by an accountant from PwC, Brian Cullinan, who was distracted in the moment.

2. Breakfast in Beverly Hills (1977)

Faye Dunaway tied the knot with photographer Terry O’Neill, who famously photographed her the morning after she won an Oscar for Network. The picture shows her relaxing at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool, surrounded by breakfast and the news of her big win. It’s a modern take on a classic photo of Charlie Chaplin reading the papers post-Oscar victory.

3. A Surprising Victory (1946)

Joan Crawford was a star who struggled in the 1940s. She worried about being considered “box office poison.” Yet, her performance in Mildred Pierce brought her back into the spotlight, making her a favorite to win the best actress award in 1946. Nervous, she stayed home claiming illness. However, when she won, the director and her co-star surprised her at home with the award, bringing along photographers, including one who captured this very special moment.

4. The First Oscars (1929)

An early photograph shows the guests at the very first Academy Awards held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This marked an important moment in film history. You can spot legends like Louis B. Mayer and Cecil B. DeMille among the crowd of glamour and excitement. While the faces have changed over the years, the venue still hosts events today.

5. The Iconic Selfie (2014)

During the Oscars in 2014, host Ellen DeGeneres took a now-famous selfie with stars like Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Shot with a Samsung phone, the image became the most retweeted photo ever. The moment, however, was pre-planned with product placement worth $20 million, making it both a fun and commercial highlight of the night.

6. Sisterly Tension (1945)

After winning best actress for To Each His Own, Olivia de Havilland was photographed turning away from her sister, Joan Fontaine, who had previously won the same award. Their long-standing rivalry was captured in this candid moment, showing the complexities of familial relationships amid their Hollywood fame.

7. Glamorous Anticipation (1956)

Photographer Allan Grant captured a backstage moment with Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, two recent best actress winners. Both stars appeared anxious as they waited to present the award for best picture, which went to Marty, with Ernest Borgnine taking home the best actor award.

8. Oscar Family Portrait (1970s)

Costume designer Edith Head earned a whopping eight Oscars during her career. She often referred to her awards as her “children.” A picture taken by an unknown photographer shows Head posing proudly with her statuettes, highlighting her incredible achievements in the film industry.

9. A Stumble on Stage (2013)

Jennifer Lawrence made headlines when she tripped on her dress while heading to accept her best actress award for Silver Linings Playbook. Despite her little mishap, she handled it with humor, endearing herself to fans and becoming a memorable figure of the awards ceremony.

10. A Humorous Reminder (1954)

Photographer Ed Clark captured a funny moment at a hat-check room following the Oscars. There, producer Buddy Adler left his best picture trophy from From Here to Eternity alongside regular items, adding a touch of humor to the glam of Oscar night.

This story was featured in the February 26 issue of The Hollywood Reporter.

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