From 'Shallow' To Stripped Down: Lady Gaga's 5 Most Shocking And Defining Oscar Moments

Lady Gaga’s relationship with the Academy Awards is not just a series of red carpet appearances and acceptance speeches; it is a masterclass in artistic evolution, cinematic crossover, and performance art. As of the latest ceremony in 2023, the global superstar has cemented her status as a true Hollywood powerhouse, seamlessly bridging the gap between pop icon and serious actress.

The journey of Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on the biggest night in film has been marked by seismic shifts—from the theatrical glamour of her early nominations to the emotionally raw, stripped-down authenticity of her most recent performance. Her career trajectory is a blueprint for modern celebrity, proving that a true artist can conquer every medium, including the hallowed halls of the Academy.

Lady Gaga: A Biography and Oscar Profile

A true multi-hyphenate, Lady Gaga has achieved EGOT-adjacent status with wins across music, film, and television. Her Academy Award history alone is a testament to her versatility, earning nominations in both acting and songwriting categories. Below is a snapshot of the artist's profile and her key Oscar milestones.

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• Full Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
• Born: March 28, 1986 (New York City, New York)
• Known For: Pop music icon, songwriter, actress, and humanitarian.
• Key Films: A Star Is Born (2018), House of Gucci (2021), Joker: Folie à Deux (Upcoming)
• Academy Award Nominations (4 total):
  • Best Original Song: "Til It Happens to You" (2016) - Nominated
  • Best Actress: A Star Is Born (2019) - Nominated
  • Best Original Song: "Shallow" (2019) - WON
  • Best Original Song: "Hold My Hand" (2023) - Nominated
• Major Awards Won: Oscar, Golden Globe (2), Grammy (14), BAFTA.

1. The Unforgettable, Stripped-Down Surprise of 2023

The most recent and perhaps most emotionally resonant moment in Lady Gaga's Oscar history occurred at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023. Nominated for Best Original Song for "Hold My Hand" from the blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick, the initial buzz was that she would not perform due to her filming schedule for Joker: Folie à Deux.

In a shocking and powerful turn, Gaga appeared on stage wearing a simple black t-shirt and ripped jeans, completely makeup-free, a stark contrast to the dramatic, runway-fresh Versace gown she wore on the red carpet just hours earlier.

This "stripped-down" performance was a deliberate choice, signaling a move away from her usual theatricality and focusing purely on the raw emotion of the song. Before singing, she gave a moving speech dedicated to the power of heroes, stating, "We need a lot of love to walk through this life, and we all need a hero. There are heroes all around us." The moment was hailed as one of the night's most authentic and powerful, a testament to her vocal talent without the aid of elaborate staging.

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2. The 'Shallow' Win and the Chemistry That Broke the Internet (2019)

Lady Gaga’s 2019 appearance for A Star Is Born was her career-defining Oscar moment. She made history by becoming the first person to be nominated for both Best Actress and Best Original Song in the same year.

The performance of "Shallow" with co-star Bradley Cooper is instantly iconic. The intimate, unscripted chemistry between the two as they sat side-by-side at a piano captivated the audience, fueling weeks of public speculation about their relationship. It was a masterclass in dramatic tension, culminating in the song winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The win for "Shallow" made Gaga the first woman in history to win an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award in one single year, solidifying her status as a Quadruple Threat.

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3. The Alexander McQueen Gown and the Tiffany Diamond

Beyond the music and acting, Lady Gaga’s red carpet fashion is an integral part of her Oscar narrative. For her 2019 win, she wore a dramatic black Alexander McQueen gown, a look that paid homage to Audrey Hepburn's famous ensemble in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The centerpiece of the look was the legendary 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, one of the world's largest and rarest yellow diamonds. This was only the third time the stone had ever been worn, following Audrey Hepburn and socialite Mary Whitehouse. This choice of jewelry was a powerful statement, merging Hollywood history with her own groundbreaking career.

4. The Early Nomination for 'Til It Happens to You' (2016)

Lady Gaga’s first Academy Award nomination came in 2016 for Best Original Song for "Til It Happens to You," co-written with Diane Warren for the documentary film The Hunting Ground. This nomination marked her official entry into the serious world of cinematic awards.

Her performance of the song was a powerful, emotional display, accompanied by a group of sexual assault survivors. The moment was a major cultural talking point, bringing a sensitive and important issue to the forefront of the globally televised event, demonstrating her commitment to activism through her art. This set the stage for her future, more high-profile Oscar appearances.

5. The Anticipated Future: Joker: Folie à Deux and the 2025 Buzz

The most current and forward-looking aspect of Lady Gaga's Oscar journey is the intense speculation surrounding her role as Harley Quinn in the upcoming musical sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. The film, which co-stars Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix, is scheduled for release in late 2024, placing it directly in the running for the 97th Academy Awards in 2025.

Industry insiders are already buzzing about her potential for a Best Supporting Actress nomination, though the category is not yet confirmed. The film's musical nature also presents a strong possibility for a new Best Original Song nomination, which would mark her fifth nod. Her performance in this role is expected to be a dramatic departure from her previous work in A Star Is Born and House of Gucci, once again challenging the Academy’s perceptions of her talent and range.

Lady Gaga's Lasting Oscar Legacy

Lady Gaga’s presence at the Academy Awards has become synonymous with defining cultural moments. From her dramatic fashion choices and legendary red carpet walks to her raw, authentic performances, she has consistently used the platform to showcase her evolution as an artist. Her ability to transition from a pop phenomenon to an Oscar-winning and nominated actress and songwriter—all while maintaining a unique, powerful artistic voice—is unparalleled in modern Hollywood. The anticipation for her next appearance, particularly for the potential nominations from Joker: Folie à Deux, ensures that her story with the Oscars is far from over.