What Sylvester Stallone Really Thought the First Time He Saw Schwarzenegger—And How It Fueled an Epic Rivalry

The legendary rivalry between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger has become Hollywood lore, but it all began with a tense first encounter in 1977. At the 34th Golden Globe Awards, Stallone’s Rocky was nominated in six categories but secured only one win, while Schwarzenegger took home the New Star of the Year award for Stay Hungry. Stallone later revealed that Schwarzenegger gloated over his film’s losses, igniting a spark of rivalry that exploded when Rocky clinched Best Motion Picture – Drama. In a moment fueled by competitive fire, Stallone famously threw a bowl of flowers at Schwarzenegger—a gesture that marked the start of a decade-long feud.

Their rivalry quickly escalated beyond awards ceremonies into a battle of egos and careers. Public insults flew, and one-upmanship became routine. Rumors swirled—Stallone allegedly spread damaging gossip about Schwarzenegger’s family background, resulting in a libel lawsuit and a public apology. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger was rumored to have used body doubles in some films, fueling further tension between the two icons.

The rivalry began to thaw in the early 1990s when both were invited to invest in the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain. Schwarzenegger saw this as a chance to bridge the divide, and Stallone agreed. Their business collaboration, coupled with years of personal growth, helped them move past their animosity. The once fierce competitors eventually became close friends, co-starring in blockbuster franchises like The Expendables series and Escape Plan.

Looking back, both actors credit their rivalry for pushing them to new heights. Stallone admitted that Schwarzenegger’s rise was a powerful motivator, while Schwarzenegger acknowledged Stallone as a key influence on his success. What started as a fiery clash ultimately became a driving force behind their enduring legacies, proving that sometimes, competition can fuel greatness.