The Oscars are Hollywood’s biggest night—glamorous, prestigious, and full of unforgettable moments. But behind the red carpet and golden statues, there’s a treasure trove of weird, hilarious, and downright bizarre facts that most people don’t know. From streakers to stolen Oscars, the Academy Awards have seen it all. Here are five of the strangest, funniest, and most unexpected facts about the Oscars that will leave you laughing (or scratching your head).
1. A Streaker Crashed the Oscars—And Won a Standing Ovation
In 1974, the Oscars were interrupted by an unexpected guest: a naked man. As David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor, a streaker (Robert Opel) sprinted across the stage, flashing a peace sign. The audience gasped, but Niven, ever the smooth British gentleman, didn’t miss a beat. He quipped, “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?”
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, making it one of the most legendary unscripted moments in Oscar history. And believe it or not, Opel wasn’t arrested—he was actually invited backstage to meet celebrities afterward.
2. A Best Picture Winner Was Once Stolen—And Found by a Dog
In 2000, Shakespeare in Love famously upset Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture. But the real drama happened after the ceremony. Producer Harvey Weinstein (long before his downfall) left his Oscar in a restaurant bathroom. When he realized it was missing, he panicked—until a maintenance worker found it in the trash.
But that’s not even the weirdest Oscar theft. In 1938, Alice Brady won Best Supporting Actress for In Old Chicago—but she was too sick to attend. A random man walked up, claimed to be her “representative,” and took her Oscar. It was never seen again. The Academy had to give her a replacement.
And the strangest part? In 2000, another stolen Oscar (this time for The Godfather) was found by a dog named Pal, who dug it up in a bush.
3. The Shortest Oscar Speech Was Just Two Words
Most winners ramble through tearful thank-yous, but not Alfred Hitchcock. In 1968, after a career of never winning a competitive Oscar (he got an honorary one in 1967), he was finally given the Irving G. Thalberg Award. When asked if he had anything to say, he simply replied:
“Thank you.”
And then he walked off. Classic Hitchcock.
4. A Winner Once Thanked His “Agent and God—In That Order”
Jack Palance won Best Supporting Actor in 1992 for City Slickers—and at 73, he became one of the oldest winners in Oscar history. But what really stole the show was his acceptance speech. After dropping to the stage for one-armed push-ups (yes, really), he joked:
“That’s nothing, really. As far as two-handed push-ups, you can do that all night, and it doesn’t make a difference whether she’s there or not.”
Then, with a smirk, he thanked “my agent and God—in that order.” The audience lost it.
5. A Man Once Won an Oscar for Playing a Role That Didn’t Exist
In 1976, Peter Finch posthumously won Best Actor for Network—but here’s the twist: his character, Howard Beale, wasn’t even the lead role. William Holden was technically the protagonist, but Finch’s iconic “I’m as mad as hell!” monologue stole the spotlight.
Even weirder? Finch died before the Oscars, making him the first (and so far, only) posthumous acting winner. His widow accepted the award, and the whole thing was so bizarre that the Academy later changed the rules to prevent future posthumous wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has anyone ever refused an Oscar? A: Yes! George C. Scott (Patton) called the Oscars a “meat parade” and refused to attend. Marlon Brando (The Godfather) sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline his award in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans.
Q: What’s the weirdest thing ever left on an Oscar stage? A: Besides the streaker? In 2017, a real envelope mix-up led to La La Land being announced as Best Picture—only for Moonlight to actually win. Chaos ensued.
Q: Who holds the record for the longest Oscar speech? A: Greer Garson (Mrs. Miniver) spoke for five and a half minutes in 1943. The Academy now limits speeches to 45 seconds.
Q: Has an Oscar ever been sold? A: Officially, winners must sign an agreement saying they won’t sell their Oscars without offering them to the Academy first for $1. But some, like Steven Spielberg, have bought stolen Oscars (like Bette Davis’) to return them to the Academy.
The Oscars may be all about prestige, but as these stories prove, they’re also full of hilarious, bizarre, and unforgettable moments. Who knows what weirdness the next ceremony will bring?