24. John Travolta’s Awkward Interaction with Idina Menzel (2015)

Returning to the Oscars in 2015, Idina Menzel jokingly introduced Travolta as “Glom Gazingo” as revenge for the previous year. Travolta responded by standing uncomfortably close and stroking her chin in a way that looked like he was about to choke her. The odd physical contact left viewers and Menzel visibly uncomfortable on live TV.
The attempted redemption bit backfired spectacularly and only added to the cringe legacy of Travolta’s Oscar hosting moments. It became another clip that fans still revisit with secondhand embarrassment.