A definitive ranking of the best Oscars audience reaction memes

When a regular clapping GIF just won't do the trick.
February 5, 2020 3:53 p.m. EST
February 10, 2020 11:00 p.m. EST
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What happens on the Oscars stage is cool and all, but we’re equally interested in the sweet meme fodder coming out of the audience. We’ll never forget 2017’s La La Land-Moonlight mix-up but who can forget Nicole Kidman’s weird Grinch clapping from the same year. Of course not all awards show reactions are created equal—some are fun in the moment, but quickly fade from memory, while others will live on in Twitter infamy for as long as the platform exists. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate ranking of the BEST Oscars audience reactions of all time—these are the GIFs that will stay burned into our brains for all of eternity, ranked by brilliance with suggested uses for your group texting pleasure.Disclaimer: Chrissy Teigen’s awkward crying face (though possibly the greatest reaction GIF of all time) is not included in this list because it was at the Golden Globes.

10. Go Away

Context: Benedict Cumberbatch is not impressed when the camera pans to him during Neil Patrick Harris’s opening number in 2015.Uses: When you want to be left alone to your libations.[caption id="attachment_4797183" align="alignleft" width="720"]Benedict Cumberbatch Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption]

9. Are You Sharing???

Context: Host Jimmy Kimmel distributes cookies and donuts to the audience in 2017 and Taraji P. Henson tries to mooch some off Hidden Figures costar Octavia Spencer.Uses: 1) Your friend has food you want. 2) You have food your friend wants.[caption id="attachment_4797184" align="alignleft" width="720"]Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption]

8. Jen’s Snub

Context: Jennifer Aniston waves to someone at the 2017 Oscars. The wave is not reciprocated.Uses: When you’re eagerly trying to impress, and then have to recover from the soul-crushing rejection of being ignored.[caption id="attachment_4797185" align="alignleft" width="723"]Jennifer Aniston Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption]

7. Pine Tear

Context: Chris Pine sheds a tear (along with everyone else) after John Legend and Common’s performance of “Glory” from Selma at the 2015 Oscars.Uses: When something is too beautiful and too pure for this world.[caption id="attachment_4797186" align="alignleft" width="722"]Chris Pine Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption][video_embed id='1893370']RELATED: What Oscars milestone do Jennifer Lawrence and Saoirse Ronan share?[/video_embed]

6. Skeptical Spike

Context: Generally speaking, Spike Lee was unimpressed at the 2019 Oscars.Uses: When you are unimpressed (at the Oscars or otherwise).[caption id="attachment_4797187" align="alignleft" width="722"]Spike Lee Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption]

5. Chadwick Side-eye

Context: Chadwick Boseman gives some INTENSE side-eye after Green Book wins Best Picture at the 2019 Oscars.Uses: Literally any time you want to give some side-eye in GIF form.[caption id="attachment_4797188" align="alignleft" width="722"]Chadwick Boseman Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption]

4. Meryl Yelling

Context: Meryl Streep cheers at the 2018 Oscars, updating her previous yelling meme from the 2015 SAG Awards. #QueenUses: 1) To demonstrate you will scream along to a particular song whenever it’s played. 2) To call attention to the fact Meryl appeared to be dressed as the fairy godmother from Shrek that year.

3. Be Still, My Moonlit Heart

Context: In possibly the biggest upset in Oscars history, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway announce La La Land as the 2017 Best Picture winner only to realize moments later that the winner is, in fact, Moonlight. The Moonlight producers approach the stage in complete shock.Uses: Demonstrating utter shock and disbelief.[caption id="attachment_4797190" align="alignleft" width="721"]Moonlight wins Oscars Giphy[/caption]

2. Nicole Grinch Clapping

Context: Nicole Kidman protects her diamonds by clapping like a seal at the 2017 Oscars.Uses: 1) To make fun of Nicole Kidman’s weird clapping. 2) To indicate support for something.[caption id="attachment_4797191" align="alignleft" width="721"]Nicole Kidman Oscars clapping Giphy[/caption]

1. Meryl’s ‘Yass Queen’

Context: Meryl Streep cheers on Patricia Arquette’s wage equality message during her acceptance speech at the 2015 Oscars.Uses: To express enthusiastic agreement.[caption id="attachment_4797204" align="alignleft" width="720"]Meryl Streep Oscars reaction Giphy[/caption]Oscars coverage begins Feb 9 at 5:30pET on CTV plus follow @etalkctv for Etalk Live from the Oscars Balcony and tune into the 92nd Oscars at 8pET.[video_embed id='1892558']Why 'Little Women' star Florence Pugh is a name you won't soon forget[/video_embed]

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