It was a night of glitz, glamour, and historic moments at the 86th Academy Awards in 2014.But one moment stood out more than any other—Ellen DeGeneres’ star-studded selfie, a photograph that would go on to break the internet.Dubbed the “Ellen Oscars Selfie,” the picture featured some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Meryl Streep, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Kevin Spacey.
At the time, the image symbolized the camaraderie and excitement of Hollywood, quickly becoming the most retweeted photo in history.
However, fast forward 11 years, and the once-iconic image has taken on a very different meaning.
Several celebrities from the viral selfie have since faced controversy, scandals, and cancellations, making the picture a reminder of how drastically things can change in Hollywood.
Ellen DeGeneres: From Beloved Host to Controversy
Ellen DeGeneres, who orchestrated the selfie, was once regarded as one of America’s most beloved talk show hosts.
But in 2020, her reputation took a severe hit when multiple employees from The Ellen DeGeneres Show accused senior staff of workplace toxicity, intimidation, and harassment.
Although Ellen was not directly accused of misconduct, critics claimed she fostered a toxic environment by turning a blind eye.
The backlash was so severe that her long-running talk show came to an end in 2022 after 19 seasons.
Ellen later suggested that her downfall was linked to her famous catchphrase, “be kind,” but the damage to her image had already been done.
Kevin Spacey: A Career in Ruins
Kevin Spacey, another prominent face in the selfie, was once a two-time Oscar-winning actor at the height of his career.
However, in 2017, his career imploded when multiple allegations of s*xual misconduct surfaced, including claims by actor Anthony Rapp.
Spacey was fired from House of Cards, removed from several projects, and faced multiple legal battles in both the U.S. and the U.K.
Although he was acquitted of charges in 2023, his Hollywood career has never fully recovered, leaving him largely sidelined.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: A Bitter Divorce Battle
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were Hollywood’s power couple when the selfie was taken, but their relationship ended in a highly publicized and bitter divorce.
Jolie accused Pitt of being physically abusive during a 2016 flight, a claim Pitt has consistently denied.
Court documents later revealed Jolie alleged that Pitt assaulted their children during the same flight.
Pitt’s lawyer dismissed the allegations, stating that he has taken responsibility for past mistakes but would not “own anything he didn’t do.”
Despite no legal action being taken against him, some social media users have called for Pitt’s cancellation, while others continue to support him.
Jennifer Lawrence: A Victim of Invasion of Privacy
Jennifer Lawrence, who was at the peak of her career at the time of the Oscars selfie, later faced an enormous personal scandal.
In 2014, she was one of several celebrities targeted in a massive leak of private photos, which sparked global conversations about privacy and digital security.
Although Lawrence handled the situation with grace, the incident was deeply traumatic for her and marked a turning point in how celebrities safeguard their privacy.
Jared Leto: Controversial Behavior
Jared Leto, another figure in the viral selfie, has faced growing scrutiny over the years for alleged inappropriate behavior.
Though no legal action has been taken against him, several accusations about his conduct with younger fans have circulated online.
While Leto has continued to find success in both acting and music, his reputation has been increasingly questioned.
The Changing Legacy of a Viral Moment
At the time, the Oscars selfie was meant to capture Hollywood’s brightest stars in a moment of joy and unity.
However, in the years that followed, it has become a symbol of the changing tides of fame, accountability, and public scrutiny.
What was once a harmless snapshot of celebrity culture now serves as a stark reminder that no one in Hollywood is immune to controversy.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the selfie remains frozen in time—a snapshot of an era that has since unraveled.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram)
