The viral selfie taken by Ellen DeGeneres during the 2014 Oscars, featuring a constellation of Hollywood stars, has transformed from a moment of spontaneous joy into a tale of caution as the New York Post suggests a potential "curse" has befallen its subjects. The selfie, a lighthearted snapshot capturing Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jared Leto, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Lupita Nyong'o, her brother Peter, Channing Tatum, and Kevin Spacey, has seen many of its stars encounter various personal and professional challenges in the years following the iconic moment.
Kevin Spacey, once celebrated for his acting prowess, faced a series of grave allegations of sexual assault and misconduct beginning in 2017, which led to his dismissal from the series "House of Cards" and a significant dent in his career. While some charges were subsequently cleared, and others dropped, the repercussions of these allegations continue to shadow Spacey's career.
Ellen DeGeneres herself, the orchestrator of the selfie, encountered controversy in 2020 when "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" was embroiled in claims of a toxic workplace, marked by accusations of racism, bullying, and fear. These allegations culminated in the show's conclusion in 2022, though DeGeneres cited a lack of challenge as her reason for ending the long-running program.
The curse seemingly extended into the personal lives of the stars, with high-profile separations among them. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Hollywood's golden couple, underwent a tumultuous split in 2016, with legal disputes over their assets and custody of their children continuing to surface. Meryl Streep's longstanding marriage to Don Gummer reportedly came to an end in 2017, further adding to the narrative of misfortune.
Jared Leto, celebrated for his Oscar-winning role in "Dallas Buyers Club," has since been marred by accusations of inappropriate behavior towards women and leading a cult-like following. His recent film projects, including "Suicide Squad" and "Morbius," have been met with disappointment at the box office, diminishing his once-stellar reputation.
Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence, too, have not been spared, with Roberts' recent films failing to make a significant impact at the box office and Lawrence experiencing a dip in popularity. Despite these setbacks, Lawrence has seen a resurgence, receiving another Oscar nomination and embracing motherhood with her husband Cooke Maroney.
Bradley Cooper, despite being enveloped in the selfie's alleged curse, has continued to thrive in his career, amassing multiple Academy Award nominations since the infamous selfie and maintaining a positive trajectory in Hollywood.
As the narrative of the Ellen DeGeneres Oscars selfie curse unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the unpredictable twists in the lives of those who live in the limelight. The selfie, once a symbol of unity and celebration among Hollywood's elite, now stands as a testament to the challenges and trials that have followed for many of its participants.