Dubbed ‘Ellen’s Oscar Selfie’, the picture has been somewhat of a curse, as a quarter of those involved have been ‘canceled’
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
It is by far the most famous selfie ever taken at the Oscars, and while there are still a host of much-loved celebrities, the snap aged like sour milk.
The ‘Ellen Oscars Selfie’ Turns 11—And It Hasn’t Aged Well
Once hailed as an unforgettable moment in Oscars history, the iconic Ellen Oscars Selfie has officially turned 11 following yesterday’s (March 2) 97th Academy Awards. But instead of being fondly remembered, the viral snapshot now serves as a stark reminder of how time—and public perception—can change everything.
The star-studded selfie, which dominated social media back in 2014, featured:
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.
A total of 12 Hollywood A-listers squeezed into the frame—but in hindsight, the photo has taken on an entirely different meaning. A quarter of the people in it have since faced public disgrace, making it a time capsule of fallen stars rather than a moment of celebration.
Ellen DeGeneres: From America’s Sweetheart to Hollywood Pariah
Ellen DeGeneres, the mastermind behind the selfie, once ruled daytime television as the host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The talk show, which ran for 19 seasons, was beloved by millions—until it all came crashing down in 2022.
At the height of the ‘cancel culture’ era, a scathing Buzzfeed exposé pulled back the curtain on what former employees described as a toxic workplace. Allegations of racism, sexual misconduct, and intimidation by top producers sent shockwaves through the industry. While Ellen attempted damage control, the backlash was relentless, and after 17 years of fan adoration, her reputation was tarnished beyond repair.
Ironically, this wasn’t the first time Ellen found herself cast out of Hollywood. In the late 1990s, her hit sitcom Ellen (1996-1998) was abruptly canceled shortly after she publicly came out as gay—an announcement that was groundbreaking at the time but met with industry backlash.
Two decades later, however, it wasn’t her sexuality that led to her downfall—it was the culture she allegedly fostered behind the scenes.
Time may have once made this selfie legendary, but now, it’s a haunting reminder of how quickly things can change in Hollywood.
The Dark Side of the ‘Ellen Oscars Selfie’: Scandals, Controversies, and Cancellations
What was once the most celebrated selfie in Hollywood history has now become a haunting relic of a bygone era. As the Ellen Oscars Selfie turned 11 following the 97th Academy Awards (March 2), the conversation surrounding it has shifted from nostalgia to controversy.
Among the 12 A-list stars in the frame, several have since faced public disgrace, making it a symbol of Hollywood’s ever-changing tides.
Ellen DeGeneres: A Fall from Grace
Ellen DeGeneres built an empire around her feel-good daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which ran for 19 seasons. But in 2020, the show’s uplifting “be kind” mantra was called into question when a Buzzfeed exposé revealed an alleged toxic workplace behind the scenes.
A former African American employee recalled experiencing multiple racist remarks during their time on the show. While DeGeneres herself was not accused of making these comments, critics argued that she failed to hold her team accountable. One former staff member remarked:
“If she wants to have her own show and have her name on the title, she needs to be more involved to see what’s going on.”
DeGeneres has since addressed her “cancellation,” attributing it to the unrealistic expectation surrounding her “be kind” persona. However, the scandal marked the end of an era for the once-beloved host, whose final episode aired in 2022.
Kevin Spacey: A Career in Freefall
Kevin Spacey, once one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, saw his career collapse in 2017 after actor Anthony Rapp accused him of sexually assaulting him as a teenager—an allegation Spacey vehemently denied. Following the accusation, Spacey was swiftly removed from House of Cards, where he played the lead role, and faced additional sexual assault charges involving three other men.
Throughout the legal battles, Spacey remained adamant about his innocence, calling the allegations “madness.” In 2023, he was found not guilty in court and acquitted of multiple charges both in the US and the UK, while some cases were dropped entirely. Rapp’s lawsuit against Spacey was also dismissed after a jury ruled in the actor’s favor.
Despite the legal victories, Spacey remains largely absent from mainstream Hollywood, with his reputation forever altered by the scandal.
Brad Pitt: The Controversial ‘Cancellation’ Debate
Brad Pitt is the final name on the list of stars some believe have been ‘canceled’—though opinions on his situation remain divided.
His ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, has accused Pitt of physically abusing her and their children during a private flight from France to California in September 2016. According to Jolie, the alleged incident was the catalyst for their high-profile divorce, which she said was necessary to “protect her children.”
Jolie claims Pitt assaulted their children—who were between the ages of eight and 15 at the time—during the flight. However, Pitt has categorically denied all allegations, standing firm in his stance. His attorney, Anne Kiley, issued a statement saying:
“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.”
Unlike some of his fellow Oscar selfie co-stars, Pitt has not faced industry-wide backlash or career-ending consequences. His Hollywood standing remains strong, though the public remains sharply divided over the allegations.
Brad Pitt: A Career in Controversy
Brad Pitt has faced intense scrutiny following accusations from his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, but his career remains largely unshaken.
Jolie alleges that Pitt was physically abusive toward her and their children during a 2016 private flight—claims he has repeatedly denied. His attorney, Anne Kiley, issued a strong rebuttal:
“He has been on the receiving end of every type of personal attack and misrepresentation. Thankfully, the various public authorities the other side has tried to use against him over the past six years have made their own independent decisions. Brad will continue to respond in court as he has consistently done.”
Despite legal battles, Pitt continues to thrive in Hollywood. However, when court documents resurfaced on Twitter, social media erupted with divided opinions. Some users demanded his cancellation:
“Time to cancel Brad Pitt,” one person wrote.
Another added, “Just like you guys canceled Karla, CANCEL BRAD PITT AND REMOVE SUPPORT FROM THAT ABUSER! HOW IS HE EVEN ATTENDING THE OSCARS?”
Still, not everyone agreed. A third user countered, “Nobody can cancel Brad Pitt, it’s not possible.”
As controversy swirls, Pitt remains a dominant force in Hollywood, but the debate over his legacy is far from settled.
