Elizabeth Taylor is upstaged by a streaker, 1974

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You might have thought it was a tough call to steal the limelight from an actress like Elizabeth Taylor, but streaker Robert Opel managed to do just that. Just as British actor David Niven was about to introduce Taylor to present Best Picture at the 46th Academy Awards in 1974, a naked Opel darted across the stage. As the audience erupted into laughter, Niven quipped: 'Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen. 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?' Taylor laughed the incident off as she remarked that she had been upstaged by a streaker.

The acceptance speeches that can’t be heard through tears. The jokes that really miss the mark. And, of course, John Travolta’s “Adele Dazeem” fiasco. Yes, even the Oscars has its fair share of cringeworthy moments. From Marlon Brando refusing his award to Angelina Jolie pledging passion for her brother, here are nine awkward Oscar moments that made us look away in discomfort (or laugh so hard that wine came out of our nose).

The 9 Most Awkward Oscar Moments…Ever

The acceptance speeches that can’t be heard through tears. The jokes that really miss the mark. And, of course, John Travolta’s “Adele Dazeem” fiasco. Yes, even the Oscars has its fair share of cringeworthy moments. From Marlon Brando refusing his award to Angelina Jolie pledging passion for her brother, here are nine awkward Oscar moments that made us look away in discomfort (or laugh so hard that wine came out of our nose).

When Marlon Brando Said Thanks, but no thanks (1973)

Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, to deny his award in an act of protest against the treatment of American Indians in the film industry. The real awkward part was the audience’s rude reaction.

And Elizabeth Taylor Was Upstaged by a Streaker (1974)

Host David Niven invited Taylor to the stage and a naked man ran out instead. Oh, the ’70s.

When Angelina Jolie Redefined Brotherly Love (2000)

Very, Girl Interrupted.

And Adrien Brody Slobbered on Halle Berry (2003)

That’s one way to celebrate. Maybe ask next time.

When Jennifer Lawrence Didn’t Stand a Chance Against the Stairs (2013)

Stairs: One. J-Law: Zero. 

And John Travolta Really Went for It & Failed (2014)

“Adele Dazeem.” We just can’t let it go.

When Travolta Descended on Scarlett Johansson (2015)

*Collective cringe*

And Dame Helen Mirren Had Her Game Show Moment (2018)

Put The Price Is Right models to shame? Check.

And Finally, When All Hell Broke Loose Over the ‘La La Land’ and ‘Moonlight’ Mixup (2017)

This is why we can’t have nice things, PricewaterhouseCoopers.