The Most Embarrassing Celebrity Moments at Award Shows
Wardrobe malfunctions, teleprompter fails, epic tumbles, and that exceptionally awkward Emma Stone hug: Awards shows are embarrassing. Cringeworthy. Sometimes even painful to watch. And since the SAG Awards are this Sunday (at 8 p.m. EST, but who’s counting?), we thought we’d take a little trip down memory lane to recount the most embarrassing celebrity moments at awards shows ever.
To be honest, we’re semi-regretting our deep dive, because some of these situations were so uncomfortable and thorny that it really is hard to look, even though they’re now in the past. (Thank God.) Most recently, there was that time Emma Stone tried hugging the director of La La Land, Damien Chazelle, as he was going in for a kiss from his girlfriend—yeah, not good. Or what about when Jennifer Lawrence fell up the stairs at the Oscars? Ahead, the 27 most embarrassing celebrity award show fails of all time.
Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera
This is a true deep dive, but we'd be remiss if we didn't kick things off back in 2003, the moment just after Britney Spears and Madonna shared a passionate kiss. But then Madge proceeded to pivot to her left and plant one on Christina Aguilera, and though Brit Brit was a good sport about the whole thing, you can tell by her smile that she feels a little awkward. And jealous—even if it's just about getting the attention deflected. Don't worry, though, Brit: All anyone remembers is the kiss with you and Madonna anyway.
Katy Perry
There's no doubt that Katy Perry stole the show at the 2008 Latin America Awards when she dove into a giant cake and inevitably slipped on icing … several times.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart dropped (and broke) her Golden Popcorn statue at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. Uh, oops.
Kanye West and Taylor Swift
Throwback to the unforgettable moment when Kanye West stole Taylor Swift's moment ("Imma let you finish, but …") at the 2009 MTV Music Awards.
Lady Gaga
Few can forget the moment Lady Gaga wore a dress made of raw beef, more commonly known as the "meat dress" to the 2010 MTV Music Awards. This is not so much embarrassing as it is a serious WTF moment, but when you think about how many animals were killed to fashion an inedible dress, well—that's pretty embarrassing.
Katherine Heigl
Katherine Heigl suffered a wardrobe malfunction onstage at the 2010 ShoWest convention in Las Vegas, which is not so much an award show as a movie theater industry exposition, but—we digress. Suffice it to say that this moment was beyond embarrassing; luckily, she saved herself from complete exposure.
James Franco and Anne Hathaway
Polar opposites Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosted the 2011 Oscars, and it was a major fail. From start to finish. The whole award show was embarrassing.
Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis
Justine Timberlake and Mila Kunis got a little too handsy onstage at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence tripped and fell up the stairs on her way to receive her award for Best Actress at the 2013 Oscars.
Adrien Brody and Halle Berry
Adrien Brody planted a surprise kiss (his first mistake) on Halle Berry (second mistake) at the 2013 Oscars. Halle was not prepared.
