The *awks* Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler Oscars moment you might've missed

Exes Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler narrowly avoided an awkward run-in at the Oscars 2023 and fans can't get over how close they came...

For the A-listers of the world, the award circuit is often the time for reunions, whether it's between old and new co-stars or just familiar faces in the biz—though apparently Amelia Dimoldenberg and Andrew Garfield didn't get the memo—but these star-studded events also pose a risk, for many celebs, of the dreaded ex encounter. An experience it seems, former lovers Vanessa and Austin only just avoided and naturally, the near miss did not go unnoticed by viewers...

Despite Austin Butler's girlfriend accompanying him to the Vanity Fair after-party and Vanessa Hudgens' boyfriend having popped the big question in February 2023, fans will still send any kind of interaction between them viral. In case you missed it, here's what went down...

What happened between Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler at the Oscars 2023?

While we were all busy obsessing over this Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield moment, Vanessa and Austin swiftly stole our attention by passing by, within inches of each other outside the venue.

The moment in question is currently making the rounds on TikTok and Twitter, as it's both very relatable and kinda heartbreaking.

As we can see, Vanessa slips by seemingly unnoticed by Austin as she texts on her phone, though it does look as though she clocks him briefly before passing. Austin can then be seen waving at someone behind whoever was filming the almost meeting before appearing to look in the direction Vanessa just walked. 

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♬ original sound - sissy

A near miss indeed—though we must say there are worse times to bump into your ex than when you're wearing a designer gown, with a team of specialists having perfected your hair and makeup. You know, as opposed to in your sweats, with no makeup, at the supermarket...*shudder*

Anyway, back to the moment—it's caused a mixed reaction from fans. Some were disappointed not to see Vanessa interview him (as she was once again interviewing stars on the red carpet): "biggest upset of the Oscars is Austin Butler not getting interviewed by Vanessa Hudgens on the carpet wow".

While others found the moment a tad heartbreaking, despite both parties having moved on. One tweeted: "the vid of vanessa hudgens walking by austin butler and not acknowledging each other…yeah i wish i never saw that".

While another wrote: "That Vanessa Hudgens n Austin Butler video is lowkey so sad. 10 yrs is a long time n now you’re just strangers".

As another viewer had a déjà vu moment...

For anyone not clued up on why this non-interaction would have been a tad awkward for the pair, allow us to fill you in...

When did Austin Butler and Vanessa Hudgens date?

These two former Disney stars were first linked in 2011 and dated for nine years, before eventually calling it quits in January 2020—with both now in new relationships, with Vanessa now engaged to her partner, Cole Tucker.

Despite the pair having broken up three years ago, however, they have been making headlines of late after the infamous moment Austin referred to her as the 'friend' who encouraged him to pursue his Elvis role.

As the story goes, Vanessa actually played a HUGE hand in Austin's journey to his Bafta-winning part during their relationship, hence why fans weren't too pleased by Austin's comment.

In a 2019 interview on Live with Ryan and Kelly Vanessa recounted the moment she told him he needed to play Elvis in a movie. She said: "It's so crazy because last December, we were driving along and we were listening to Christmas music, and then an Elvis Presley Christmas song came on.

"He had just dyed his hair dark, he’s a natural blonde—and I was looking at him and he was singing along and I was like, 'babe, you need to play Elvis. I don’t know how, but I’m serious. You need to play him."

Austin has since accredited Vanessa for encouraging him in the role, though fans have spotted the High School Musical star seemingly throwing shade at her ex. Take this moment for instance where she commented "crying" to a post from Page Six, reporting that Austin's Elvis voice was genuine and could remain forever...

Ah well, maybe one day we'll get the Vanessa and Austin read carpet interview...