Seven memorable Oscar moments from the past decade.

Seven memorable Oscar moments from the past decade.

      You can never anticipate what may unfold when the biggest stars in cinema gather for the Oscars. The Academy Awards serve to recognize and honor the finest films of the year. Ceremonies that feature favorites prevailing and a PG-rated host tend to leave audiences uninspired. However, events marked by significant surprises, celebrity scandals, and unforgettable performances are the moments that are etched in memory forever.

      Keep in mind: it’s a television event. The more drama involved, the more memorable the ceremony becomes. Let’s look back at seven of the most memorable Oscar moments from the past decade.

      2017: Moonlight wins Best Picture over La La Land

      "Moonlight" takes Best Picture | 89th Oscars (2017)

      When someone on the Academy Awards stage begins a speech with “This is not a joke,” it’s understandable that many might think it’s a prank. Fortunately, La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz raised the winning card and declared, “Moonlight, Best Picture.” Unfortunately for Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, who were honored for their 50 years of Bonnie and Clyde at the 2017 Academy Awards, they will be eternally linked to that Best Picture blunder.

      It’s hard not to empathize with everyone connected to La La Land. Dunaway calls out “La La Land,” and there's an immediate rush to the stage to claim the Oscar. Just moments later, it’s all taken away. Every person who contributed to La La Land likely harbors resentment towards PricewaterhouseCoopers for the envelope mix-up. It’s a unique situation where one can feel sorrow for those who had the Best Picture title abruptly taken away while also celebrating the triumph of Moonlight, a genuine underdog story and one of the most unexpected Best Picture victories of the century.

      2019: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper perform a moving version of Shallow

      Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper - Shallow (From A Star Is Born/Live From The Oscars)

      There’s chemistry, and then there’s the connection that Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper displayed during their rendition of Shallow at the 2019 Oscars. As the co-stars of A Star Is Born stood up and made their way to the stage, it was clear we were in for something extraordinary. Their bold entrance was nothing short of cinematic glamour.

      For the following four minutes, Cooper and Gaga delivered a passionate performance of Shallow. The hit song from A Star Is Born reached new heights as they cozied up on a bench with their eyes closed during the last few lines. The smile Gaga wore at the conclusion was a look only typically seen between those in love. We can only hope these two collaborate again—it’s something the world would greatly appreciate.

      2020: Bong Joon-ho thanks Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese during his Best Director speech

      Bong Joon Ho wins Best Director | 92nd Oscars (2020)

      Parasite achieved the unimaginable at the 2020 Oscars by becoming the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture. The genuine reactions of Tom Hanks and Charlize Theron imploring the producers to allow the winning cast to speak longer could have been noted. However, Parasite belongs to Bong Joon-ho, and thus his speech deserves recognition.

      Bong triumphed over a formidable Best Director lineup that included Martin Scorsese, Todd Phillips, Sam Mendes, and Quentin Tarantino. With his translator by his side, Bong delivered one of the most memorable speeches ever given by a director, thanking Scorsese for igniting his passion for cinema and Tarantino for supporting his films when they were largely overlooked in the U.S. Sharing the spotlight with such iconic filmmakers as Scorsese and Tarantino is truly remarkable.

      2024: Ryan Gosling captivates as Ken

      Ryan Gosling, Mark Ronson, Slash & The Kens - I'm Just Ken (Live From The Oscars 2024)

      Ryan Gosling is a multi-talented actor with striking looks and undeniable charisma. On almost any other evening, he’s simply known as Ryan. But at the 2024 Oscars, he embodied Ken. Typically, the nominees for Best Original Song perform during the broadcast, yet many selections are forgettable or led by lesser-known artists.

      Similar to Gaga and Cooper's performance of Shallow, Gosling’s I'm Just Ken ranks among the most memorable Oscar performances. From the moment Gosling appeared in a shimmering pink suit, it was clear we were in for a show. With his choreography and captivating theatrics, Gosling had everyone channeling their inner Ken for a brief moment. As one of the coolest A-list stars today, it seems almost unfair how effortlessly he exudes coolness, talent, and charm.

      2023: Ke Huy Quan delivers an emotional speech after winning Best Supporting Actor

      Ke Huy Quan Wins Best Supporting Actor for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' | 95th Oscars (2023)

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Seven memorable Oscar moments from the past decade.

I'm Just Ken. Moonlight takes home the Best Picture award. The Slap. Let’s take a look back at seven of the most unforgettable Oscar moments from the past decade.