Marlon Brando received his second Academy Award in 1973 for “The Godfather.” However, the acclaimed actor decided to skip the event and instead had sent actor Sacheen Littlefeather.

Ms. Littlefeather went to the podium and read out from a letter where she spoke about the ill treatment of native Indians by Hollywood.

Late Persis Khambatta is the first Indian to have presented an award at the Oscars. She is popular for her role as Lieutenant Ilia in the 1979 "Star Trek" movie.

Bhanu Athaiya, is the first Indian to win an Academy Award. She won the best costume design award for “Gandhi” in 1982. She had an illustrious career spanning over five decades, where she worked with eminent filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra and so on. 

Charlie Chaplin can be undoubtedly called as one of the best comedians in the history of world cinema. In 1972, the Academy gave him an honourary award for his contribution to cinema. As Charlie Chaplin walked on to the podium, the crowd gave him standing ovation with rounds of applause. He had to request them to sit down as the crowd didn't stop cheering. 

Michael Moore, a documentary maker and journalist-author received an Oscar for his documentary “Bowling for Columbine” in 2002. During his acceptance speech, he was booed at by crowd. His “Shame on you Bush!,” remark forced the Academy to drown the speech with music.

In 1992, Satyajit Ray was presented with an honourary award for his contribution to cinema, thus becoming the only Indian to receive such an award. Legendary actor Andrew Hepburn while presenting the award said, “The Academy recognises Mr. Ray’s rare mastery in the art of motion pictures and his profound humanism…”  Satyajit Ray gave an acceptance speech from a hospital bed in Kolkata. 

Woody Ellen, despite several nominations never made any appearance at the Oscars except for once in 2002, post 9/11 terrorist attack.

He came to introduce several movies made in New York. 

Hattie McDaniel (R) is the first African-American to receive an Oscar in 1939. She won the award as best supporting actress for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” ​