Oscar's Greatest Moments:
The late, great Muhammad Ali surprised Sylvester Stallone on stage at the 1977 Oscars to present the Best Supporting Actress award to Beatrice Straight.
“I’m the real Apollo Creed. You stole my script,” Ali joked with the Rocky star, referencing the brash boxer played by Carl Weathers in the Oscar-winning film. Ali added, “I saw it. I watched the movie. You stole my script. All that was me. I’m the Apollo Creed.” The pair danced around the stage in a spoof boxing bout to settle the score. Of course, they ended up hugging it out.
“I just gotta say one thing,” said Stallone, who was nominated that year for Rocky, which would go on to win best picture later that evening. “I may not win anything here tonight in the form of an Oscar, but I really feel it’s an amazing privilege to be standing next to a 100 percent certified legend, and it’s something I’m gonna treasure for the rest of my life.”
Ali announced Straight as the winner of Supporting Actress for her role in Sidney Lumet’s Network. Watch video from the awards ceremony above.
The three-time heavyweight champion, who died late Friday night, captivated audiences the world over for more than 50 years. Affectionately known as the "Louisville Lip," he was known as much for his gift of gab as his stiff jab.
Ali's appearance alongside "Rocky" star Sylvester Stallone at the 1977 Oscars encapsulated his greatness and star appeal like few others. The inspiration for the character Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa's arch nemesis in the cult classic films, Ali made an unforgettable cameo as Stallone presented and made the movie star put up his dukes.
Ali died at the age of 74 on Friday after being hospitalized earlier for reported respiratory issues.
