10 Most Awkward Celebrity Run-Ins on the Red Carpet
Celebrities cross paths with people they would rather not see, and red carpets make those moments impossible to avoid. When an interaction turns tense or confusing, cameras catch it instantly. A stiff greeting or an awkward pause can linger long after the event ends.
Here are 10 red carpet run-ins that went off the rails and became unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Hugh Grant’s Reluctant Interview With Ashley Graham
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At the 2023 Oscars, Ashley Graham tried to keep the conversation friendly while interviewing Hugh Grant. He answered with clipped, indifferent replies that drained the energy from the exchange. When she mentioned his role in Glass Onion, he brushed it off, joking that he appeared for only “about three seconds,” leaving the moment visibly uncomfortable.
Kesha’s Hug Request Gets Denied by Jerry Seinfeld
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During a 2017 red carpet interview, Kesha approached Jerry Seinfeld and asked for a hug. He declined, then repeated the refusal twice as the moment stretched on. The exchange quickly turned uncomfortable. Seinfeld later said he did not recognize her at the time. Kesha later called it a sad moment, though both eventually laughed about it in interviews.
Tiffany Haddish Shuts Down a “Costume” Question
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Entertainment Tonight’s Lauren Zima approached Tiffany Haddish at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty with what she thought was a fun question about a “costume change.” Haddish didn’t appreciate it. She firmly corrected her: “I’m not wearing a costume, I’m wearing Dolce & Gabbana.”
Taylor Swift Handles an Off-Key Comment About Men
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At the 2015 Grammys, Entertainment Tonight’s Nancy O’Dell said Swift would likely go home with trophies “and lots of men.” Swift didn’t miss a beat. She said she’d be going home with her friends and her cats. The dry clapback went viral almost instantly, and the clip still resurfaces when red carpet interviews cross the line.
Jim Carrey’s Existential Monologue Baffles a Reporter
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When Jim Carrey showed up at Harper’s Bazaar’s 2017 Icons party, he dismissed the event as meaningless and said he only came because it was the “most meaningless thing” he could find. Then he veered into musings on energy fields and non-existence, leaving reporter Catt Sadler completely stunned.
Sacha Baron Cohen Spills “Ashes” on Ryan Seacrest
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At the 2012 Oscars, Sacha Baron Cohen arrived in character from The Dictator, carrying a fake urn said to hold Kim Jong-il’s ashes. During an interview, he tipped it and dumped the contents onto Ryan Seacrest’s tuxedo. Seacrest stayed composed, but security moved in and escorted Cohen off moments later.
Emma Chamberlain and Jack Harlow’s “Love Ya” Exchange
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While hosting Vogue’s Met Gala coverage in 2022, Emma Chamberlain ended her chat with Jack Harlow on a confusing note. He said, “Love you,” she replied, “Love ya,” then looked directly into the camera with a frozen, confused expression. That blink-and-you-miss-it face became a meme almost instantly.
Lady Gaga’s Giant Egg Entrance Raises Eyebrows
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Lady Gaga was carried inside a giant egg on the 2011 Grammys red carpet. The stunt was part of her Born This Way rollout, but it left reporters and attendees unsure how to respond. Later, Gaga revealed she stayed inside the egg for three days to get into character. Red carpet entrances haven’t been the same since.
Terrence Howard’s Science Rant Confuses Everyone
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At the 2019 Emmys, KTLA asked Terrence Howard about retiring from acting. His response included thoughts on gravity, Pythagoras, and something called the “flower of life.” No one was sure what he was talking about. The video still circulates as a go-to example of an interview that started fine and completely fell apart in less than a minute.
Amy Schumer Falls in Front of Kim and Kanye
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Amy Schumer decided to get attention at the 2015 TIME 100 Gala by fake-tripping in front of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Cameras captured her sprawled on the floor as the couple walked by without reacting. Schumer later joked that she thought it would be hilarious.