Live television and a billion viewers make every misstep immortal. These shocking beats rank among the most iconic Oscar moments of all time because they could never be fully scripted or rehearsed away.

Presenters announced La La Land before accountants corrected the Best Picture card in 2017. The mix-up amplified Moonlight's upset and became the defining modern entry among the most iconic Oscar moments of all time.

A naked activist reportedly ran across the stage flashing a peace sign while David Niven kept composure. The censored broadcast only magnified one of the most iconic Oscar moments of all time.

Sacheen Littlefeather declined Marlon Brando's 1973 Best Actor award and spoke about Native representation. The refusal pioneered televised activism among the most iconic Oscar moments of all time.

Will Smith struck presenter Chris Rock before later winning Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards. The sequence forced security and ethics debates — a grim modern chapter in the most iconic Oscar moments of all time.