When Ellen DeGeneres snapped the now-iconic Oscars selfie at the 2014 Academy Awards, it was a lighthearted moment meant to celebrate Hollywood’s biggest stars. But looking back 11 years later, the image has taken on a different meaning. A handful of the celebrities in the selfie have since been embroiled in scandals, legal troubles, and public controversies—turning what was once an unforgettable night into a reminder of how quickly fame can shift.

A Look Back: The Most Famous Oscars Selfie Ever

On March 2, 2014, at the 86th Academy Awards, Ellen DeGeneres, the evening’s host, gathered some of the biggest A-listers in the industry for what would become one of the most shared images in internet history. The selfie, taken by Bradley Cooper, was meant to be a fun, viral moment—and it worked. The picture broke Twitter records, amassing over 3 million retweets in hours.

The lineup featured 12 major stars:

• Top row: Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie
• Bottom row: Meryl Streep, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, Peter Nyong’o

At the time, the photo was seen as a symbol of Hollywood unity, glamour, and humor. Fast forward to 2025, and the legacy of this selfie has become much more complicated.

The Downfall of Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres, the mastermind behind the selfie, faced one of the biggest career scandals of the group. Once one of the most beloved figures in daytime television, her reputation took a serious hit in 2020.

A shocking report by Buzzfeed News exposed a toxic work culture on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Former employees described incidents of bullying, racism, and sexual misconduct—though DeGeneres herself was not directly accused. Critics argued that, as the face of the show, she should have been more responsible for its work environment.

Despite issuing a public apology, DeGeneres’ career never fully recovered. By 2022, her long-running talk show was canceled after 19 seasons, and she largely retreated from the public eye.

Kevin Spacey’s Career Ruined by Assault Allegations

Kevin Spacey, another prominent figure in the selfie, saw his career completely derail following a series of allegations.

In 2017, actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of sexual misconduct, claiming the actor assaulted him when he was a teenager. The accusations led to more people coming forward with similar allegations. Spacey was subsequently fired from House of Cards, edited out of films, and hit with multiple lawsuits.

Although he was acquitted of charges in both U.S. and U.K. courts in 2023, the damage to his career was irreversible. Hollywood has not welcomed him back, and his once-thriving career remains at a standstill.

Brad Pitt’s Ongoing Legal Battle with Angelina Jolie

Brad Pitt’s involvement in the selfie was once seen as a highlight—he was one of Hollywood’s most admired stars. However, in 2016, his divorce from Angelina Jolie led to serious allegations that have followed him for years.

Jolie claimed Pitt had been physically abusive to both her and their children during a private flight. Reports surfaced that Pitt allegedly attacked one of their children and was physically rough with another.

Pitt has denied all allegations. His legal team maintains that he has taken responsibility for any past mistakes but refuses to accept blame for accusations that are not true.

Unlike Spacey and DeGeneres, Pitt’s career has remained largely intact. He continues to star in major films and is still widely respected in the industry. However, the accusations have sparked debates about whether Hollywood is too selective in who gets “canceled” and who doesn’t.

The Others: Who’s Still on Top?

While some members of the selfie have been caught in controversy, most have continued to thrive:

• Meryl Streep remains one of the most respected actors in the business, with multiple Oscar nominations since 2014.
• Bradley Cooper has gone from actor to acclaimed director, with hits like A Star is Born and Maestro.
• Jennifer Lawrence took a brief hiatus but has since returned to making blockbuster films.
• Angelina Jolie continues her humanitarian work and remains a major Hollywood force.

A “Cursed” Selfie or Coincidence?

The idea of the Oscars selfie being “cursed” has gained traction online. Some fans joke that the image has aged poorly, considering the number of people in it who have faced public backlash.

However, not everyone buys into the idea. One person commented:
“Only three people have really faced major scandals—Ellen, Kevin, and Brad. Everyone else is still fine.”

Another added:
“This selfie is just a reminder that public perception changes, but Hollywood stays the same.”

Despite the controversies, the photo remains one of the most memorable moments in Oscars history. It serves as both a time capsule of Hollywood in the 2010s and a reminder of how unpredictable fame can be.

Final Thoughts: The Changing Face of Hollywood

Looking back, the Oscars selfie is more than just a viral photo—it’s a reflection of how quickly things change in Hollywood. In 2014, it represented unity, success, and glamour. In 2025, it’s a reminder that no one is untouchable, and public opinion can shift in an instant.

While some careers have flourished and others have crumbled, one thing is certain: the selfie’s legacy has transformed from a feel-good moment to a conversation starter about the evolution of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and accountability.