The Most Heart Wrenching Oscar Moments in History: A blog about Oscar moments over the decades.

Heart-wrenching Oscar moments are plentiful, especially when you consider that some of Hollywood’s most beloved actors don’t win awards every year they’re nominated. Here is a list of memorable Oscar moments that have tugged at our heart strings.

1. The death of James Dean

James Dean died in 1955, but he was still nominated for his performance in East of Eden (1955) at the 28th Oscars ceremony in 1956. His posthumous nomination would be the first of three: Giant (1956) and Rebel Without a Cause (1955) followed suit; he did not win any of the three times he was nominated.

2. Marlon Brando turns down his Oscar

In 1974, Marlon Brando declined his Best Actor award for The Godfather (1972). Instead, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather to speak on his behalf. She appeared onstage saying, “He very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award.” He later explained that he was boycotting the show because of how Native Americans were portrayed in Hollywood films and television shows, as well as protesting the treatment of such peoples by the U.S. government

The Oscars are not only a celebration of film, they are also a celebration of the people who make them. From the actors to the producers, directors and screenwriters, this is a night to honor the best of the best. However, over the years there have been some pretty epic Oscar moments that capture hearts everywhere. The following is a list of some of our all time favorite Oscar moments.

“The Titanic Moment”

At the 1998 Academy Awards, James Cameron was awarded Best Director for his film “Titanic.” In his acceptance speech he thanked his wife, Linda Hamilton, and then proceeded to thank his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow for being so supportive during the making of the film. This was a classy move on James’ part because it showed his appreciation for her support and also showed what a good relationship they still had despite their divorce. Many people were stunned by this gesture as most people do not thank their ex-wives in front of millions of people while accepting an award!

“The Lionel Richie Moment”

In 1985 Lionel Richie was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Say You Say Me” from the film “White Nights.” He brought down the house when he performed this song live at the 57th Annual

Each year, the Academy Awards honor the very best in film. But in addition to celebrating the latest and greatest, these awards also serve as a reminder that great movies have been made for decades. Oscar Moments of Years Past

The Oscar Moments series from Mental Floss looks back at the most memorable, surprising, and heart-wrenching moments from Oscar history. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing remains: The Oscars are always full of great stories. From Marlon Brando’s iconic snub to Sally Field’s heartfelt acceptance speech and beyond, here’s a collection of our favorite moments from Oscars past.

This year’s Oscar telecast is just around the corner, and in anticipation of the big event, we’re taking a look back at some of the most moving moments in Academy Awards history.

1. Lupita N’yongo Wins Best Supporting Actress: The 12 Years a Slave star made history as the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar. Her acceptance speech was tear-jerkingly poignant: “It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s.”

2. Dustin Lance Black Wins Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black won an Oscar for his screenplay about Harvey Milk and openly thanked his partner Tom Daley for inspiring him to write it. It was a sweet tribute to their relationship and the LGBT community.

3. Matthew McConaughey Wins Best Actor: The Dallas Buyers Club star gave us chills with his acceptance speech, which reflected on his hard work and dedication as an actor for 17 years. “I didn’t know if I had what it took to be a leading man,” he admitted before thanking God and his family and concluding with an inspiring message: “Just keep livin’.”

4. Jennifer Lawrence Trips on Stage: While climbing the stairs

The Best Actor award went to Tom Hanks for Philadelphia. It wasn’t the first time he was nominated for an Oscar, but it was his first win. As he made his way up to the stage, Hanks acknowledged his partner in crime, Denzel Washington. “I’m standing here because I had a chance to work with him,” Hanks said.

The next year, that would be reversed when Hanks beat out Washington for Forrest Gump. Washington actually ended up winning Best Supporting Actor that year for The Hurricane. But the two have maintained a friendship through the years, and even starred together in 2008’s The Great Debaters.

In 1997, an old man making his way up the steps of the Oscars stage stole all our hearts. Jack Nicholson was an easy favorite to win Best Actor that year for As Good as It Gets, but that didn’t make his speech any less touching.”This is very much appreciated,” he said humbly after kissing Jodie Foster on the cheek and giving a shoutout to costar Greg Kinnear. “I’ll keep this short and sweet so no one has to get back to their seat. First of all, thank you to my fellow nominees.”

The Oscars are always full of surprises. Not just in the winning, but in the losing and the little moments that happen in between, moments that make us feel something (whether it’s anger, sadness, or happiness). Here are some of those moments:

Jennifer Lawrence Trips on Her Dress on the Way to Accepting Her Oscar

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence is young and yes, she is hot right now. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that she should have won an Oscar for her performance in Winter’s Bone. And when it looks like she’s going to win one for Silver Linings Playbook, but then Anne Hathaway wins instead, it’s a pretty sad moment.

But what made it worse was when J-Law almost fell on her way up to accept it! Seriously, I think if someone could have caught her fall before she touched the ground (like a cat) I wouldn’t have felt so bad for her. She got back up with grace and poise and accepted her award like a lady (even though we all wanted to see her fall again)

You can get your own custom designed dress at www.designsbyjessica.com

Who didn’t cry when Daniel Day Lewis blew us all away with his acceptance speech in 2007? His words were so touching as he talked about the people who helped him along the way. The way he thanked his wife, Rebecca Miller, was so heartfelt and loving.

“I’m very glad that we found a way to work together,” Day-Lewis said, “and I love you dearly for it.”

And who could forget when Sally Field won her first Oscar in 1984? Her speech was so emotional and she garnered quite a reaction from the crowd.