Awards Show Audience Reactions: Funniest Celebrity Faces in the Crowd

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Awards Show Audience Reactions: Funniest Celebrity Faces in the Crowd

Sometimes the best part of an awards show isn't the show itself — it's how the audience reacts to the night's events. Plenty of stars have been caught on camera making a less-than-gracious loser's face or candidly expressing their distaste for a particular performer or joke and the meme-worthy moments have lived on for ages in social media history. At the 2020 Grammy Awards, Billie Eilish became the youngest person to ever win the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and could hardly contain her surprise when her name was announced. Surrounded by family and friends in the audience, the "Bad Guy" singer placed her hands over her mouth in full shock. A few weeks later, she gave viewers another top-notch reaction GIF when she was caught cringing as Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig sang off-key at the 92nd annual Academy Awards. Jason Sudeikis, for his part, stole the show at the 2021 Emmys — even with a virtual ceremony. The Ted Lasso star tuned into the show via Zoom while Norman Lear thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for honoring him with the Carol Burnett Award in February 2020. Sudeikis was hooked on Lear's every word. When the All in the Family creator acknowledged that he was getting close to 99, Sudeikis couldn't contain his surprise. At the bottom corner of the screen, he was caught with his mouth agape, wowed by Lear's long run in Hollywood. Scroll down to see some of the most hilarious awards show reactions:

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Samuel L. Jackson at the 2023 Tonys

Jackson instantly went viral during the 2023 Tony Awards in June when his facial expression appeared to betray his feelings about losing Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play. While the Pulp Fiction star was nominated for his role in The Piano Lesson — directed by wife LaTanya Richardson — the honor went to Brandon Uranowitz for Leopoldstadt and Jackson gave a slight eye roll at the time.

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Seth Rogen at the 2023 Oscars

The Fabelmans star sat behind director Steven Spielberg at the 2023 Academy Awards in March and appeared nervous when host Jimmy Kimmel asked whether he was on mushrooms at the ceremony.

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Andrew Garfield at the 2023 Oscars

The Under the Banner of Heaven alum cringed at the camera as he was called out during Kimmel's monologue at the 2023 Academy Awards in March. While referring to the 2022 Will Smith slap, Kimmel warned audience members that they would have to face off against Spider-Man if they rushed the stage.

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Pedro Pascal at the 2023 Oscars

The Mandalorian actor also earned a shout-out from Kimmel during the 2023 Oscars opening.

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Steven Spielberg at the 2023 Oscars

Kimmel teased that "the Fabel-Man" would be on hand to defend him from a potential slap at the 2023 Academy Awards.

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Jamie Lee Curtis at the 2023 BAFTAs

The Halloween actress was caught bobbing her head during Ariana DeBose's performance at the British awards show in February 2023. The West Side Story star celebrated the night's strong women with a song, saying the now-viral phrases, "Angela Bassett did the thing" and "Jamie Lee, you are all of us."

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Lizzo at the 2023 Grammys

During Trevor Noah’s 2023 Grammys monologue, he gushed that Beyoncé would be in attendance during the show. The “Truth Hurts” songstress, for her part, could be seen mouthing “Where?” at the mention of Beyoncé’s name.

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Taylor Swift at the 2022 VMAs

Swift, who made a surprise appearance at the event looked surprised and delighted when Fergie took the stage alongside Jack Harlow for his hit single “First Class,” which interpolates her 2007 song “Glamourous.”

The “Shake It Off” artist danced and sang along in the audience as the Black Eyed Peas singer performed on the VMA stage for the first time since 2018.

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Jon Batiste at the Grammys 2022

The Louisiana native couldn't hide his disbelief when he heard his name announced as the Album of the Year winner at the April 2022 awards show, challenging Kacey Musgraves' meme-worthy reaction at the 2019 Grammys.

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Timothee Chalamet at the Oscars 2022

Hosts Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes couldn't hold back when the Dune star was in the audience at the 94th annual Academy Awards in March 2022. Schumer joked about how much he aged during the coronavirus pandemic, and the camera cut to J.K. Simmons. "You know what? I'd still smash," Hall said. The camera briefly showed the real Chalamet, who was chuckling from his seat.

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Jessica Chastain at the Oscars 2022

The Eyes of Tammy Faye star collapsed in laughter after Schumer's joke about Leonardo DiCaprio's tendency to date younger women, such as model Camila Morrone, 23 years his junior.

"Leonardo DiCaprio, what can I even say about him? He's done so much to fight climate change and leave behind a cleaner, greener planet for his girlfriends," Schumer said in March 2022. Chastain covered her face with her hands and shook her head as she giggled.

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Jake Gyllenhaal at the Oscars 2022

“Will [Smith], Jada [Pinkett Smith], what a beautiful couple," Schumer said during her solo opening monologue at the 2022 Academy Awards. "We’re honoring a lot of couples here tonight — Jada, Will Smith, Penélope [Cruz], Javier Bardem, Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s a night for lovers.”

The Donnie Darko star made a disgusted face and shook his head, but his sister giggled from her seat behind him. The actress’ husband, Peter Sarsgaard, was chuckling at her side.

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Rege-Jean Page at the 2021 Emmys

The Bridgerton actor let out a little laugh and looked bashful after Cedric the Entertainer cracked a joke about his character having so much sex on the Netflix series.

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Beanie Feldstein and Beth Behrs at the 2021 Emmys

The Booksmart actress appeared to be in awe (and shocked) by Behrs' twerking moment during the awards show’s opening singalong to “Just A Friend.”

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Eugene Levy at the 2021 Emmys

Before Seth Rogen announced the first award of the night, he made some observations about the packed house at the awards show — which is very different than the 2020 show which had no audience amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rogen then joked about the one person in attendance that should be protected amid the health crisis — Eugene Levy. “Why is there a roof? It’s more important that we have three chandeliers than that we make sure we don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight,” the Pineapple Express actor said before the cameras flipped to Eugene laughing alongside his son, Dan Levy.

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Daniel Kaluuya’s Family at the 2021 Oscars

Kaluuya’s mom, Damalie Namusoke, and sister looked mortified after the actor mentioned his parents' sex life during his best supporting actor acceptance speech.

“My mom met my dad, they had sex! It’s amazing! Do you know what I’m saying? I’m here! I’m so happy to be alive so I’m gonna celebrate that tonight,” the Get Out actor said during the broadcast. His sister hid her embarrassment by shielding her face with her hands while Namusoke couldn’t believe what she’d heard.

“What is he talking about?” she asked.

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Jason Sudeikis at the 2021 Golden Globes

While Lear accepted the prestigious Carol Burnett Award in February 2021, the Saturday Night Live alum listened endearingly to the Hollywood legend's historic speech. When Lear noted that he was "close to 99," the Sudeikis was shocked. "He's 99? Wow," he mouthed while tuning in from home.

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Donald Sutherland at the 2021 Golden Globes

The Canadian actor was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Supporting Role for his work in HBO's The Undoing and fans couldn't help but notice that he looked less-than-thrilled to spend his night on Zoom. "Donald Sutherland, projecting major ‘Am I done yet?’ vibes," one fan tweeted as the Hunger Games actor sat stoically in a black tuxedo.

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Lee Isaac Chung's Daughter at the 2021 Golden Globes

The Minari director celebrated the film's Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language win from home and his 7-year-old daughter's reaction stole the show. "I prayed! I prayed!" she exclaimed while giving her award-winning father a big hug.

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Don Cheadle at the 2021 Golden Globes

As Sudeikis rambled during his acceptance speech for Best Actor in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy, his fellow nominee hinted that it was time to keep the show moving. Cheadle, who earned a nod in the category for Black Monday, gave a "wrap it up" gesture to the camera while the Ted Lasso star continued his long-winded thanks.

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Billie Eilish at the 2020 Oscars

The “Bad Guy” singer was caught scrunching her face in the audience at the 92nd Academy Awards while Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig hilariously sang off-key on stage.

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Billie Eilish at the 2020 Grammy Awards

In January 2020, Billie Eilish became the youngest person to ever win the Grammy Award for Song of the Year — and could hardly contain her excitement when her name was announced. "This is to all of the kids who are making music in their bedrooms today. You're going to get one of these," she said onstage alongside her brother, Finneas O'Connell.

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Tyler, the Creator's Mom at the 2020 Grammy Awards

Tyler, the Creator took home the win for Best Rap Album in January 2020 and had his no. 1 fan in the audience to celebrate his major accomplishment: his mom. While accepting his award, the rapper made sure to give his mother a special shout-out for doing a "great job" helping him grow over the years and for "putting up with my annoying, hyperactive energy."

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Joan Grande at the 2020 Grammy Awards

As Ariana Grande powered through a show-stopping medley, her mother, Joan Grande, watched from the audience like a true stage mom. Joan cheered on her daughter as she tweaked the "Thank U, Next" lyrics to honor her dad, Edward Butera. "One day I’ll walk down the aisle / holding hands with my mama / I’ll be thanking my dad / ’cause he's really awesome."

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Tom Hanks at the 2020 SAG Awards

It’s hard to argue exactly who stole the show during the 26th annual SAG Awards opening. Toward the end of Eugene Levy and Dan Levy’s bit, Dan informed his dad and Schitt’s Creek costar that they went over their time limit. “You used up so much time they’re telling us they had to cut Tom Hanks,” the actor informed Eugene.
 
“Well, that’s all right. I know Tom,” the American Pie actor replied. “He’s a good guy. He’ll take it well.”
 
When the camera cut over to the A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood star, he delivered a deadpan stare, causing the audience to erupt with laughter.

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Jennifer Aniston at the 2020 SAG Awards

During his acceptance speech for Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Brad Pitt packed on the self-deprecating humor. He joked that playing Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood … wasn’t quite a stretch for him. “Let’s be honest. It was a difficult part,” he said, “a guy who gets high, takes his shirt off and doesn’t get on with his wife.” The best reaction of all? His ex-wife Jennifer Aniston clapping in the audience.

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Tom Hanks at the 2020 Golden Globes

The It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood star looked askance when 2020 Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais called out political acceptance speeches and told the attendees that they’re “in no position to lecture the public about anything.”

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Josephine Langford at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards

The After star was in shock after the film took home the award for Drama Movie of 2019 at the People’s Choice Awards.

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Gwen Stefani at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards

The singer was thrilled for her boyfriend, Blake Shelton, when he won Country Artist of 2019 at the People’s Choice Awards.

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Pink’ Son Jameson at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards

Pink and Carey Hart’s toddler was living his best life at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards.

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Luke Combs at the 2019 CMAs

The “Beautiful Crazy” crooner was shook when he won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2019 CMAs.

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Taylor Swift and Halsey at the 2019 AMAs

The two musicians couldn’t contain their excitement when Selena Gomez hit the stage at the 2019 AMAs.

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Post Malone at the 2019 AMAs

Post Malone was clearly happy to be at the 2019 AMAs.

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Taran Killam at the 2019 AMAs

The Single Parents actor was shook when Kesha surprised fans with a performance of her 2009 hit “TiK ToK” at the 2019 AMAs.

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Taylor Swift at the 2019 VMAs

The “You Need to Calm Down” songstress couldn’t calm down while watching Lil Nas X sing “Panini.”

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Lizzo at the 2019 VMAs

Complete with a bottle of tequila, the rapper was living her best life in the crowd.

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Camila Cabello at the 2019 VMAs

The “Señorita” singer got cheeky while cheering for bestie Swift at the opening of the show.

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Sophie Turner at the 2019 VMAs

Along with husband Joe Jonas and brother-in-law Nick Jonas, the Game of Thrones star made headlines for cheering for Cabello and Shawn Mendes to kiss during their performance.

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Kacey Musgraves at the 2019 Grammys

No one was more shocked than the “Space Cowboy” singer when she was announced as the Album of the Year winner. Musgraves could be seen mouthing “what” repeatedly before making her way to the stage.

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Ella Mai at the 2019 Grammys

The British singer was pleasantly surprised when host Alicia Keys performed a cover of her hit “Boo’d Up.”

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Offset at the 2019 Grammys

The Migos rapper was so impressed with wife Cardi B during her performance, that he was seen seductively biting his lip and sticking out his tongue.

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Allison Janney at the 2019 Oscars

The Mom star lived her best life during Queen’s performance of “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” at the 2019 Oscars.

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Olivia Colman at the 2019 Oscars

Emma Stone showered the shocked actress with love after she won Best Actress for The Favourite at the 2019 Oscars.

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Alan Arkin at the 2019 SAGs

The Kominsky Method star jokingly pouted at the 2019 SAGs as they announced his category.  

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Jennifer Garner at the 2018 Oscars

The actress went from clapping her hands to suddenly looking horrified while the camera was on her at the 2018 Oscars. After the meme went viral, Garner got in on the fun and joked about the realization she came to via Instagram, writing, “Can’t wait to work with Lena Dunham! Wait did I sign a nudity waiver?” (Garner starred in Dunham’s HBO series Camping.) 

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Hugh Jackman at the 2018 Golden Globes

The actor couldn’t hide his shock after he lost Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, to James Franco at 2018 the Golden Globes.

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Leslie Jones at the 2018 Emmys

Members of the audience were shocked — and moved to tears — during Glenn Weiss' public proposal during the 2018 Emmys, but it was the Saturday Night Live star whose reaction was priceless. The comedian stood up, pointing in the direction of the stage with her mouth wide open. Twitter had a field day writing things like, “leslie jones last night reacting to the proposal that happened on stage at the emmys is giving me all kinds of life.”

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Chrissy Teigen at the 2018 Emmys

The Lip Sync Battle cohost garnered the attention of Twitter when she hilariously tried to hide in her seat when the cameras panned to her and husband John Legend. One twitter user wrote: “@chrissyteigen hiding from the camera is so relatable. Much iconic. Much hero” 

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Sterling K. Brown at the 2018 Emmys

The This Is Us star’s moment also came during Glenn Weiss’ 2018 proposal. Brown could be seen standing behind the couple with a look of awe while holding Weiss’ Emmy award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special.

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Blue Ivy at the 2018 Grammys

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's 6-year-old daughter accompanied the talented two to the music award show, and her funniest reaction wasn't to a performance but rather her parents. Blue was spotted gesturing Jay and Bey to stop clapping mid-show with a very serious look on her face — and Twitter had a field day with the hilarious moment. 

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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend at the 2018 Grammys

The "All of Me" singer and his model wife couldn't contain their laughter after host James Corden handed Jerry Seinfeld and Jessica Seinfeld a “consolation puppy" following the actor's loss in the Best Comedy Album category.

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Steve Carell at the 2018 SAG Awards

The show's first-ever host, Kristen Bell, detailed how she got over her pre-show nerves, and when she mentioned the Office alum's name, he quickly spit out his drink, turned to the camera and gave a thumbs up, which fans immediately turned into a GIF. 

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Winona Ryder at the 2017 SAGs

The Stranger Things star’s confused/surprised facial expression stole the show at the 2017 SAGs

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Pink at the 2017 AMAs

While the “So What” singer looked like she was in pain during Christina Aguilera’s Whitney Houston tribute at the 2017 AMAs, she denied not enjoying the performance on Twitter after the show. “Christina f—king killed it tonight for one of our favorite singers ever,” Pink tweeted. “This [is] about Whitney, and I am in awe of Christina’s talent. Show the clip where I’m in tears, you negative Nancys.”

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Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams at the 2017 Oscars

Their faces say it all! The BFFs — plus Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Meryl Streep and more — were left stunned in the front row when it was revealed that La La Land was accidentally named the winner of Best Picture. The trophy eventually went to Moonlight.

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Kesha at the 2017 VMAs

The "Praying" songstress looked less than enthused as she took a seat on the ground of The Forum in Los Angeles and posted that her seat was "lost" alongside a hilarious Instagram photo.

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Gaby Hoffmann at the 2016 Emmys

The camera caught the Transparent star making a funny face at the 2016 Emmys.

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Leonardo DiCaprio at the 2016 Golden Globes

This was epic! Lady Gaga nabbed a Golden Globe at the 73rd annual awards show in January 2016, but this moment overshadowed her actual win. While making her way to the stage, the American Horror Story: Hotel actress brushed passed fellow winner Leonardo DiCaprio, who reacted by jumping slightly and making a face. The moment immediately went viral, and DiCaprio eventually had to address his reaction on the record. 

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Tori Kelly at the 2016 Grammys

Shade or what? Tori Kelly dominated headlines after her seemingly unimpressed reaction to Taylor Swift's Album of the Year speech at the 2016 Grammys went viral. As Swift took to the stage, Best New Artist nominee Kelly sat back with her arms crossed — complete with an obvious pout — while other audience members appeared inspired by the two-time Album of the Year winner's remarks. 

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Colin Firth at the 2015 Golden Globes

The actor couldn’t help but smile after Fey told Poehler that she would choose him over Colin Farrell during a game of “Who’d You Rather” at the 2015 Golden Globes.

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Betty White at the 2015 People’s Choice Awards

The legendary comedian looked too cute after Chris Evans offered to help her to the stage at the 2015 People’s Choice Awards. 

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Chrissy Teigen at the 2015 Golden Globes

The Cravings cookbook author went viral for her grimacing crying face after her husband won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2015. "Sorry I don't practice my cry face okay," she tweeted at the time. "It's been 5 minutes and I'm a meme."

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Jay Z and Beyonce at the 2015 Grammy Awards

Stop it Ye, said Jay and Bey! Jay-Z and Beyoncé did not know what to expect from Kanye West when he ran up to the stage after Beck won Album of the Year at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2015 — and their expressions said it all. As West (in a repeat of his infamous 2009 MTV VMAs moment with Taylor Swift) bombarded Beck, Jay Z's expression went from shocked to horrified as he shook his head in disagreement. Beyonce, meanwhile, mouthed: "No, Kanye, No!"

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Miley Cyrus at the 2015 MTV VMAs

VMAs host Cyrus looked stunned as she was ripped onstage by Nicki Minaj during the show's live broadcast in August 2015. “And now... back to this bitch that had a lot to say about me in the press," Minaj told the star-studded audience as Cyrus' smile immediately waned. "Miley, what’s good?

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The Cyrus Family at the 2015 MTV VMAs

Frozen solid. Miley Cyrus' parents were just as shocked as the 2015 VMAs host when she got slammed by Nicki Minaj during the live broadcast. MTV captured the singer's family on camera as the cringeworthy moment went down, and their eyes were wide open in utter disbelief.

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Christina Hendricks at the 2015 Emmys

Oddly... stoic. Christina Hendricks seemed less-than-enthused in the audience when her Mad Men costar Jon Hamm accepted his Emmy after eight tireless seasons of being nominated. The actress was captured keeping her cool and applauding a little too politely from her seat.

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Amal Clooney at the 2015 Golden Globes

So blasé! George Clooney's wife hardly contained her boredom throughout the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2015. Cameras panned frequently to the human rights lawyer, who was captured cracking a slight smile. 

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Rita Ora at the 2014 VMAs

The singer was less than impressed while watching Nicki Minaj perform “Anaconda” at the 2014 VMAs.

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Taylor Swift at the 2014 Grammys

Taylor Swift's surprised face is an awards show staple. Pretty much everyone has seen her open-mouthed shock at this point — but only those who watched the 2014 Grammys got to see this gem, which occurred when Album of the Year was announced toward the end of the show. Swift heard the "R" sound at the beginning of Random Access Memories and seemed, for a brief but unforgettable moment, to think that her album, Red, was the winner. She gasped — as did everyone around her.

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Jessica Chastain at the 2013 Golden Globes

The Zero Dark Thirty actress was shook after hosts Amy Poehler and Tina Fey joked about director Kathryn Bigelow’s marriage to James Cameron at the 2013 Golden Globes.

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David O. Russell at the 2013 BAFTAs

Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell was less than thrilled when his lead actress, Jennifer Lawrence, lost the 2013 Best Actress BAFTA to Amour star Emmanuelle Riva. After French actress Riva's name was announced, cameras panned to Lawrence, who was sitting with her director in the audience. While Lawrence managed a passable poker face, Russell couldn't hide his disapproval as he half-heartedly clapped for Riva (who was not in attendance). 

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Tommy Lee Jones at the 2013 Golden Globes

Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell have a lot of fans, but Tommy Lee Jones apparently isn't one of them. The Lincoln actor was not amused when Wiig and Ferrell took the stage at the 2013 Golden Globes with a quirky skit that poked fun at one of his movies, Hope Springs, also starring Meryl Streep. As the duo joked at his expense, the camera cut to Jones, who appeared to be scowling. His expression quickly went viral, with some comparing him to the infamous "Grumpy Cat."

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The Smith Family at the 2013 VMAs

Jaw-dropping, indeed! Will Smith and kids Jaden and Willow couldn't hide their shock and awe when they were caught by an audience cam watching Lady Gaga's bizarre performance of "Applause" at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Aug. 25. The trio's mouths hung agape as Gaga opened the show with multiple costume changes -- including one with her head encased in a giant white cube.

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Kacey Musgraves at the 2013 CMAs

Turn that frown upside down! Kacey Musgraves made waves in November 2013 when a camera panned to her unsmiling face during Miranda Lambert's speech for Best Female Vocalist at the Country Music Association Awards. (Musgraves was also up for the award but lost.) She later said, however, that she meant no ill will toward her competition; indeed, she and Lambert had collaborated in the past and hail from the same hometown. "Sometimes my face just looks that way," she explained to Giuliana Rancic.

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Rihanna at the 2013 VMAs

Bored much? People couldn't stop talking about Miley Cyrus' raunchy duet with Robin Thicke at the 2013 Video Music Awards -- but Rihanna, for one, appeared utterly unimpressed by the sexed-up show. While others cringed or gasped or cheered, Rihanna sat stone-faced in her seat, blankly staring at the spectacle before her.

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Charlize Theron at the 2013 Oscars

Young Adult star Charlize Theron helped Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane kick off the 2013 Oscars by appearing in a pre-taped bit for his "We Saw Your Boobs" song. As MacFarlane called out real-life pal Theron and others (including Meryl Streep and Naomi Watts) for flashing their breasts onscreen, the actresses were shown looking visibly annoyed in the audience. Fortunately for him, those uncomfortable reactions were just for show, as both Theron and Watts were in on the joke the whole time.

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James Earl Jones at the 2012 Tony Awards

James Earl Jones' reaction to losing the Lead Actor in a Play award at the 2012 Tonys went viral when a look of genuine shock and confusion came over him as the winner was announced. His "losing face" may have actually been his "winning face," though — what likely happened is that the Star Wars actor thought for a moment that he had won, since the actual winner, James Corden, shared his first name.

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Eminem at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards

Love 'em or hate 'em, MTV awards shows are never boring. At the 2009 MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, Calif., for example, Eminem caused a fuss when Sacha Baron Cohen, in character as his flamboyant alter ego Bruno, literally dropped in on the rapper from the ceiling, putting his bare butt smack dab in front of Eminem's face. The 8 Mile star stormed out of the event -- but his reaction was later revealed to be part of a planned stunt.

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Beyonce at the 2009 VMAs

"I'mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best audience reactions of all time!" Kanye West's stage-rush during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the 2009 VMAs is one of the most infamous awards show moments in history. His announcement that Beyonce had been robbed of the honor left Swift speechless (in more ways than one) and Beyonce mortified (if a little flattered). "Well, I knew his intentions, and I knew he was standing up for art," Bey later said.