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By Abby Tegnelia
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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Awards season is always a glamorous time of year, when Hollywood's biggest stars turn out in their finest outfits to schmooze and vie for the industry's biggest prizes. But with live TV comes the opportunity for the unexpected, from the touching moments and powerful speeches to the cringe-worthy episodes that live on in history. Here are 10 awkward encounters — in no particular order — from over the years.
Adrien Brody's Surprise Halle Berry Kiss
At the 2003 Academy Awards, Adrien Brody was so happy to win the trophy for Best Actor for his role in The Pianist that he laid a big smooch on presenter Halle Berry's lips. In 2017, Berry confirmed to Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that "No, it was not planned."
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Christine Lahti's Bathroom Break
It's every actor's worst nightmare: winning an award while you're in the bathroom. For Christine Lahti, this became reality at the 1998 Golden Globes. She was in the powder room when her name was called as Best Actress winner for Chicago Hope. To make light of the situation, the next year she presented an award with toilet paper artfully stuck to the bottom of her shoe.
Will Smith's Chris Rock Slap
Comedian Chris Rock's role as host of the 2022 Oscars got physical after making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, saying he "can't wait to see" her in the sequel to G.I. Jane. What he didn't know was that the actress has alopecia, which stunts hair growth. Her husband, Will Smith, took to the stage on live TV and slapped Rock for the remark, later apologizing for his actions while on stage to accept his Best Actor award for King Richard. He was still banned from the awards show for 10 years.
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Babyface's Red Carpet Interruption
Innocent Babyface's awkward moment at the 2025 Grammys went viral — for all the wrong reasons. The music legend was mid-interview with the Associated Press, which was streaming the red carpet live, when one of the reporters interrupted to get the attention of Best New Artist nominee Chappell Roan. Babyface politely ended the interview, but outraged celebs took to social media to denounce his treatment. The AP made several apologies after the incident.
Iggy Izalea's Pint-Sized Surprise
When Iggy Izalea walked the red carpet at the 2015 Kids Choice Awards, she was surprised that the child interviewer — 9-year-old Nicholas Bechtel — went for a hard-hitting question. "You talked about getting some work done," he started, referencing her upcoming breast augmentation. The rapper and singer deftly came up with a thoughtful response about being comfortable with your own body.
Britney Spears's Uncomfortable Comeback
Britney Spears had had two babies in two years, and her performance at the 2007 MTV VMAs was supposed to be her big comeback. But she looked uncomfortable in her skimpy two-piece costume, and at times she wasn't even lip-syncing as her hit "Gimme More" played on. While fans were distraught after the performance, she rebounded with a smash hit Las Vegas residency.
Nicole Kidman's Viral Oscars Clap
It just might be the most-memed clap of all time: When Viola Davis beat Nicole Kidman for Best Supporting Actress at the 2017 Oscars, her "seal clap" made headlines around the world. She later said that the strange way of clapping, which looked even more exaggerated in photos due to her long and sender fingers, was to protect her expensive, borrowed diamond rings from Harry Winston.
Kanye West's Taylor Swift Interruption
Kanye West took it upon himself to hog the limelight at the 2009 VMAs, taking the microphone from a stunned Taylor Swift after she beat out Beyoncé for Best Female Video. "Imma let you finish," West famously said. "But Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time." The incident kicked off a one-sided feud between the rapper and pop star, for which Swift's only reported response was the 2010 song "Innocent."
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Diana Ross's Lil' Kim Grope
Rapper Lil' Kim was known for her risqué outfits, and in 1999 she wore an Amazonian unitard with a well-placed pasty to the MTV Video Music Awards. During a musical number with Mary J. Blige and Diana Ross, Ross reached over and copped a feel.
Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar Tumble
Actress Jennifer Lawrence was so overwhelmed after being announced the 2013 Oscar for Best Actress winner for her role in Silver Linings Playbook that she fell up the stage's steps in her gown on her way to accept her trophy. She got back up on her own, as presenter Hugh Jackman rushed over to grab her hand and present her award.
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