Top 10 Memorable Award Show Kisses

Though they’re a married couple on ABC’s “Black-ish”, Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross are just friends in real life. But to celebrate earning the Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, he seemingly channeled his on-screen persona. Anderson dipped Ross, giving her a surprising smooch. The gesture caught everyone off-guard, with Uzo Aduba’s reaction saying it all! Shockingly, the man behind Dre once revealed that his TV wife wasn’t always very fond of him. Luckily, they appear to have nothing but love for each other these days.

Life imitated art when “Outer Banks” co-stars Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline attended this award show. While accepting their “Best Kiss” award, the duo gave the audience exactly what they wanted. While he started stammering through their acceptance speech, she planted a kiss on him. Needless to say, the passionate moment set the Internet on fire. It was a particularly special sight, because the duo had announced their real-life romance in 2020. Unfortunately, they’ve since reportedly split up. Still, they seem to be keeping things professional, so we’re sure Sarah and John B’s chemistry will continue to heat up on “Outer Banks.”

#8: Tina Fey & Amy Schumer “74th Annual Peabody Awards” (2015)

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As two of the biggest female comedians of the millennium, these two know how to sell an idea. When Fey was tasked with presenting Schumer a prestigious Peabody Award for "Inside Amy Schumer," she decided to make it memorable. During her introductory speech, the “Mean Girls” writer praised the honoree, before jokingly revealing that she wanted to "suck her soul out". Naturally, her method of choice was a “staged" kiss. When Schumer came out, they followed through with the plan. Starting with a peck and moving to a mini-makeout, the duo cleverly parodied the overdone award show routine - and it was priceless.

These giants of comedy always go the extra mile to make us smile. While accepting an MTV Movie Award for their smooch in “Talladega Nights,” the two acted out a hilarious pre-planned sketch. Cohen jokingly claimed that Ferrell hadn’t returned his calls since the romantic embrace, and even slapped the “SNL” alum across the face. Eventually, the duo kissed and made up. The clever bit culminated in them rolling across the stage floor, embraced in a lengthy “can’t-come-up-for-air” liplock. You’ve got to admire their dedication to the act!

The 2010 award season saw Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock vying for many of the same trophies. And they shared a particularly funny moment at the Critics’ Choice Awards, where a tie led to both women getting the prize for Best Actress. When Bullock came on stage to accept the honor after Streep had already done so, the duo playfully squared off. “The Blind Side” actress then went in for a kiss, with her co-winner playing along, unfazed by the bold move. Bullock later revealed it was her way of getting Streep back, because the “Julie & Julia” star had previously pranked her with dead flowers. For these two Oscar winners, the “rivalry” is all fun and games!

Shortly after their surprise nuptials in 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley graced us with their presence at the VMAs. The newlyweds walked down the Radio City Music Hall stage hand in hand, showing the world that their whirlwind romance was solid. Welcomed by a standing ovation, Jackon addressed the claims that their relationship lacked longevity before planting one on Presley. Met with thunderous applause from the crowd, the couple quickly exited the stage. The odd appearance is now an iconic moment in VMAs history, and still stands out as one of the most well-known awkward kisses ever.

Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth became the hottest topic around the water cooler the morning after the 2015 American Music Awards. The “All About That Bass” and “Attention” singers teamed up for a performance of their new single, “Marvin Gaye.” To cap it off, they broke out into a full-fledged makeout session. They were so committed to the moment that it felt like no one else was in the room. After their very lengthy embrace, speculation started to swirl that Trainor and Puth might be an item. However, those rumors were squashed when he revealed that they were just friends. Nevertheless, they put on an unforgettable show!

#3: Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson “19th MTV Movie Awards” (2010)

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The late aughts and early 2010s saw Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart thrust into the spotlight. The “Twilight” actors - and eventual real-life item - were the talk of Hollywood. So it wasn’t a huge surprise when the MTV Movie Awards honored them with the prize for “Best Kiss” for a second year in a row. Winning for their work in “New Moon”, the duo celebrated by playing up a “will they or won’t they moment.” Fumbling to execute the perfect smooch, they ended up exchanging a playful but awkward peck. The pair went on to earn the award two more times after this, with their co-star Taylor Lautner getting in on the action in 2011 (x-ref)!

These were the kisses seen around the world. At the 2003 VMAs, icons Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera joined “Queen of Pop” Madonna for a medley of "Like a Virgin" and "Hollywood." Dressed like brides and a groom, the wedding-themed performance started off with a bang, and progressively got more unforgettable. Naturally, the Material Girl came armed with the biggest surprise of the night. Madge proceeded to kiss both Spears and Aguilera, sending shockwaves through our TV screens in the process. The moment rightfully lives in the pop culture hall of fame, giving a whole new meaning to the words “you may now kiss the bride.”

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams had one of the best Hollywood romances of the 2000s. “The Notebook” stars’ on-screen chemistry eventually led to a real-life romance, which fans went absolutely wild for. When MTV awarded the pair a prize for their famous rain-soaked kiss from the movie, they gave us a celebration for the ages. The duo went to opposite sides of the stage, stripped off their jackets, and strutted toward each other before engaging in a magnetic lip-lock. Eventually, they made their way to the mic to accept their shared award in a more traditional manner. It’s no secret that things didn’t ultimately work out between the pair, making this moment bittersweet but iconic nonetheless.