7 Of The Biggest Award Show Blunders Of All Time

Award shows are designed to be seamless celebrations of artistic achievement, carefully rehearsed and tightly produced to project glamour and prestige. But live television has a way of veering off script. Over the decades, some of the most respected ceremonies in entertainment have been derailed by shocking outbursts, envelope mishaps, political controversies, and deeply uncomfortable onstage moments. In some cases, the fallout lasted far longer than the applause. From the BAFTA Film Awards 2026 N-word slip to Will Smith’s earth-shattering 2022 Oscars slap, here are 7 of the most embarrassing award show blunders of all time.

1. BAFTA 2026 N-Word Controversy 

At the BAFTA Film Awards 2026, what should have been a celebratory evening quickly turned into controversy. During the ceremony on Feb. 22, Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson shouted the N-word from the audience while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage presenting the award for special visual effects.

Attendees had reportedly been warned that Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, might shout involuntary outbursts due to his condition. However, the televised broadcast — which aired on delay — failed to edit out the slur and did not include the warning given to the live audience.

The moment left viewers stunned and placed Jordan and Lindo in an incredibly uncomfortable position as they continued presenting. BAFTA later issued a statement saying it took “full responsibility” and would “apologise unreservedly,” adding:

“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.” The controversy deepened when BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson resigned, writing, according to The Guardian, “I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.” 

The BBC ultimately removed the broadcast from iPlayer, but the reputational damage had already been done.