Warning: This article contains discussions of domestic violence that some readers may find distressing.
It remains one of the most famous selfies in Oscars history, but over the years, the once-celebrated snapshot has taken on a different tone.
The now-infamous “Ellen Oscars Selfie” turned 11 following the 97th Academy Awards on March 2. While it was originally hailed as an iconic moment, time has complicated its legacy.
Who Was in the Famous Selfie?
The star-studded selfie, taken by Ellen DeGeneres at the 2014 Oscars, featured 12 A-list celebrities:
- Top row (left to right): Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie.
- Bottom row (left to right): Meryl Streep, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, and Peter Nyong’o.
However, over the past decade, a quarter of the celebrities in the photo have faced controversies that led to public backlash or calls for cancellation.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres’ fall from grace was swift and public. Once a beloved daytime TV host, her reputation took a major hit following a 2020 Buzzfeed exposé that detailed allegations of workplace misconduct, racism, and intimidation behind the scenes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
While DeGeneres was not directly accused of misconduct, multiple former employees alleged that the show’s work environment was toxic under her leadership. The scandal led to the cancellation of her long-running talk show in 2022 after 19 seasons.
Reflecting on the backlash, DeGeneres suggested she was unfairly targeted due to her show’s mantra, “Be Kind.”
Kevin Spacey
In 2017, Kevin Spacey was fired from House of Cards after actor Anthony Rapp accused him of sexually assaulting him as a teenager—an allegation Spacey denied.
Additional accusations followed, leading to multiple charges of sexual assault in both the U.S. and the UK. However, after standing trial, Spacey was acquitted in both countries, and some charges were dropped.
Despite his legal victories, the damage to Spacey’s career has been lasting. Hollywood largely distanced itself from the two-time Oscar winner, and he has yet to return to mainstream film or television.
Brad Pitt – Controversial But Not Canceled by All
While Brad Pitt has not been universally “canceled,” he has faced public scrutiny over allegations from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie.
Jolie has accused Pitt of physically abusing her and their children during a 2016 private flight from France to California. She claims the alleged incident was a key factor in their divorce.
Pitt has denied all allegations, with his lawyer stating:
“Brad has owned everything he’s responsible for from day one—unlike the other side—but he’s not going to own anything he didn’t do.”
Despite the controversy, Pitt continues to work in Hollywood, with many fans and industry figures standing by him. However, social media remains divided, with some users calling for him to be “canceled.”
The Changing Legacy of a Once-Iconic Moment
The Oscars Selfie was once a symbol of Hollywood unity, but over time, it has become a reflection of how much the entertainment industry—and public perception—has changed.
Some stars remain beloved, while others have faced intense scrutiny. Regardless, the photo continues to serve as a time capsule of an era in Hollywood that looks very different today.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can seek confidential support 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).