Majority say this still Oscars’ most memorable moment

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More than half of Americans (53%) believe that no Oscars ceremony will ever live up to the infamous Will Smith-Chris Rock slapping incident in 2022.

While a quarter (25%) are more interested in the actual awards content than unexpected elements (22%), nearly half (45%) indicated they’re equally as interested in both.

And it appears the latter has become a staple of awards ceremonies: Another quarter (24%) are equally likely to tune in so that they’re in the loop culturally as they are because they care who wins and loses.

While this year lacked any slaps or envelope confusion, it was riddled with star-studded appearances and light-hearted fodder from Adam Sander, Amy Poehler and more.

One respondent keeps up with the ceremonies simply because “it’s just plain fun.” Others are eyeing the red carpet fashion and the live performances keep others’ attention.

All of this is according to a recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research.

At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, it didn’t take but a few minutes before the jokes started rolling, with Conan O’Brien directing a few jabs at Karla Sofía Gascón.

According to the survey, nearly a third of Americans polled (30%) were familiar with the controversy surrounding her social media posts in the weeks leading up to awards night.

Around 30% of those believe it should have an impact on her ability to get future roles, though a similar number (29%) said it’s best to leave these things in the past.

While the rest of the “Emilia Pérez” cast and crew basked in the fruits of their labors, with 13 nods and two wins, Gascón herself did not win any of her nominated categories; which is good news for the 22% who said she shouldn’t win any Oscars or awards in light of recent events.

All of the drama, snubs and wins aside, if given the chance to attend an awards ceremony live and in person, the Oscars ranked second (33%) only to the Grammys (41%).

Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; 1,000 men and 1,000 women; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 26 and Feb. 28, 2025.

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