The Top 10 Most Controversial Oscars Moments That We'll Never Forget, Ranked

9. Sean Penn’s Controversial Joke (2015)

Being tapped to present Best Picture at the 2015 Oscars, Sean Penn announced Birdman to be the winner, but not before making a not-so-hilarious joke: the actor asked how director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu got his green card before calling them up to receive their award.

While some found it funny, others thought Sean’s joke was both offensive and racist. The director himself, however, didn’t mind.

“I found it hilarious. Sean and I had that kind of brutal relationship where only true friendship can survive. When I was directing him in 21 Grams, he was always making jokes…I made a lot of very tough jokes (to him) that I will not tell you,” the director later said backstage.