Video: Jennifer Lawrence trips up stairs en route to collect best actress Oscar

In a video of the incident Lawrence's appears to step on the front of her floor-length gown before descending, very gracefully, on to the steps.

Hugh Jackman, proving what a sound bloke he is dashes to the rescue, but the actress recovers before his help is required.

The Oscars audience then gives the happily unembarrassed actress a standing ovation, although the actress notes the pity in the gesture before her acceptance speech.

Predictably, social media was instantly awash with conspiracy theories that the actress fell on purpose.

I'm convinced Jennifer Lawrence fell on purpose at the Oscars. She seems hellbent on making us believe she's this awkward girl.

— Roseanne (@roseannenokes) February 25, 2013

At a post-Oscars press conference an E! News reporter asked the actress what happened before Lawrence interrupted sarcastically, apparently aware of claims she'd fallen on purpose:

"Was that on purpose? Absolutely. What do you mean what happened? Look at my dress. I tried to walk up stairs in this dress, that's what happened."

Check out a full list of winners from the 2013 Academy Awards here

Images via Getty