Controversy, grace and surprises have been an integral part of the greatest moments in Oscar history. Here we look at three of those events that have impressed themselves upon the minds of our contributors.

Wesley Lovell

1972, 48th Academy Awards

Oscars have been refused only a handful of times. The second time it occurred was when Marlon Brando won the award for The Godfather in 1972. Instead of showing up to the ceremony, he sent an out-of-work actress who dressed in Native American garb and called herself Sacheen Littlefeather. When his name was called, she walked quickly up to the stage, brushed aside the Oscar and declined to read the prepared speech Brando had given her. Instead, she made an impromptu declaration of what the document said, saying that Brando objected to the “treatment of American Indians by the film industry”. It caused quite a stir and remains one of the many events of protest and political action seen at the Academy Awards through the 1970s.

Peter J. Patrick

1996, 69th Academy Awards

Lauren Bacall looks stunned to have lost the Supporting Actress award to Juliette Binoche but recovers immediately, smiling wryly and applauding heartily.

Tripp Burton

2002, 75th Academy Awards

One of the major wins this decade that I really wanted to happen, the elation of watching him win was carried over by this great, impromptu kiss. After winning an Oscar, who wouldn’t want to kiss Halle Berry?