The Most Memorable Award Show Moments of All Time (Chosen by Team Chalkys)
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Award shows have given us some of the most unforgettable moments in entertainment history. From jaw-dropping surprises and emotional speeches to headline-grabbing controversies and legendary performances, these events shape pop culture in real time.
So we asked Team Chalkys to pick their most memorable award show moments ever - and the results are iconic, chaotic, emotional, and completely unforgettable.
Here are our favourites, and we’d love to know yours too.
Ariana DeBose Raps at the 2023 BAFTA Awards
Suggested by Hannah S.
When Ariana DeBose opened the 2023 BAFTAs with a high-energy rap celebrating the year’s nominees, it instantly became legendary.
Fun, fearless, and brilliantly theatrical, her performance had everything - confidence, charisma, and just the right amount of chaos. It divided opinion, but one thing’s certain: it got everyone talking, and it perfectly captured the unpredictable magic of live awards shows.
Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock – 2022 Academy Awards
Suggested by Ryan
Possibly the most shocking moment in Oscars history, Will Smith storming the stage and slapping Chris Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith stunned the world.
The incident instantly overshadowed the rest of the ceremony and sparked global conversations about comedy, boundaries, and live television unpredictability. A moment that will never be forgotten - for all the wrong reasons.
Beyoncé Announces Her Pregnancy – 2011 VMAs
Suggested by Hana
When Beyoncé revealed her baby bump after performing Love On Top at the 2011 VMAs, the internet practically broke.
Simple, elegant, and perfectly timed, it became one of the most iconic pregnancy announcements in pop culture history - proving that sometimes, less really is more.
Madonna Falls at the 2015 Brit Awards
Suggested by Clodagh
A dramatic cape malfunction sent Madonna tumbling backwards down a flight of stairs at the 2015 BRIT Awards - but true to form, she got straight back up and finished the performance.
It was pure pop professionalism and a reminder that live TV always carries risk, especially when capes are involved.
Ke Huy Quan Wins Best Supporting Actor – 2023 Oscars
Suggested by Sam
One of the most emotional Oscar moments ever came when Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor for Everything Everywhere All At Once.
His heartfelt speech, reflecting on his journey from child star to forgotten actor to Oscar winner, moved audiences worldwide and became one of the most uplifting moments in recent award show history.
Harry Styles Performs ‘Falling’ – 2020 Brit Awards
Suggested by Beth
With a rotating stage, dreamlike visuals, and haunting vocals, Harry Styles delivered a stunning live version of Falling at the 2020 BRITs.
It was intimate, emotional, and visually spectacular - a performance that elevated the song and cemented Harry’s solo-star status.
Sabrina Carpenter Shines – 2025 Grammy Awards
Suggested by Rachael
Sabrina Carpenter delivered a star-making performance at the 2025 Grammys, combining flawless vocals, polished choreography, and undeniable stage presence.
For many, it marked her official arrival as a full-blown pop heavyweight -and one of the standout Grammy performances of recent years.
Lady Gaga Performs ‘Paparazzi’ – 2009 VMAs
Suggested by Kayleigh
Arguably one of the greatest VMA performances ever, Lady Gaga turned Paparazzi into a full-blown piece of performance art, complete with dramatic staging and theatrical blood effects.
It was shocking, boundary-pushing, and unforgettable - the moment Gaga became a true global icon.
Jarvis Cocker vs Michael Jackson – Brit Awards 1996
Suggested by Jonny
When Jarvis Cocker stormed the stage during Michael Jackson’s performance to protest its messianic imagery, it became one of the most rebellious moments in BRITs history.
Unplanned, chaotic, and deeply British - it remains a legendary act of protest on live television.
What’s Your Most Memorable Award Show Moment?
From iconic performances and emotional speeches to outrageous controversies, award shows continue to deliver moments that live forever in pop culture history.
Did we miss your favourite? Let us know - we’d love to hear your picks.
And if these moments have inspired you to revisit classic albums, films, and live performances, explore our huge collection of CDs, Vinyl, DVDs, and Blu-rays at Chalkys.com - your home for entertainment, old and new.