Gallery: The most controversial award ceremony moments

As sharp-tongued comedian Ricky Gervais is invited back to present the Golden Globes for the third time this Sunday, we take a look at other shocking gong-giving occasions

Steve Anderson
Thursday 12 January 2012 13:50 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bruce Willis, Hugh Hefner, the Sex and the City girls and a 'certain famous scientologist' were all in the firing line. It seemed no member of Hollywood's elite was safe from the cutting gags of Ricky Gervais at last year's Golden Globe Awards.

While the awkward laughter echoed around the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, the British comic's snide insults caused outrage in some circles, with many claiming he'd 'taken it too far'.

In a column shortly after last year's ceremony, The Daily Telegraph showbusiness editor Anita Singh boldly stated: "Gervais is unlikely to be invited back as Golden Globes host after he mocked the organisers and insulted Hollywood celebrities."

Singh will be eating her words this Sunday, however, as she sees Gervais return to the stage once again to host the 69th awards, after it was revealed in November last year that he'd been invited back for a third go at the ceremony.

Despite 2011 possibly being Gervais' most tumultuous year, it remains to be seen whether this year's performance by The Office creator will be as close to the bone as the previous one.

Believe it or not though, Ricky Gervais wasn't the first man to ruffle a few feathers at an awards ceremony, as it seems events so packed full of eccentric (not to mention intoxicated) celebrities go hand in hand with controversy.

Whether it's outspoken presenters, angry activists or just plain odd wardrobe choices, film and music award ceremonies have become a breeding ground for outlandish showbusiness antics.

Click here to take a look at some of the most shocking awards ceremony moments

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in