From Billie Eilish and Finneas winning an Oscar for Best Song, to Will Smith slapping comedian Chris rock, to the surprise appearance of global superstars BTS, here’s what went down at this year’s Oscars.
The 94th Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood last March 27, on a Sunday night (PST) to honor and celebrate the films released in the past year. This year’s award ceremony is definitely one for the books as it gave us historic and emotional wins, memorable performances, and even a shocking incident, all in one glamorous night.
Beyoncé’s live performance of “Be Alive”
The highlights of the 94th Academy Awards starts off with a powerful, yet heartwarming opening performance from Beyoncé, who performed her Academy Award-nominated song, “Be Alive”, from the film King Richard (2021), which was also nominated for Best Picture. Beyoncé’s performance was also a tribute to Venus and Serena Williams as she performed the song in a tennis-themed court, the rightful place where the Williams sisters grew to become professional and world-renowned athletes. This stage was made extra special as Beyoncé’s own 10-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, was actually one of the dancers.
The first ever TV performance of Encanto’s “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
Another highlight of the night is the first TV performance of the hit musical song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the animated film Encanto (2021), by its original ensemble cast. As a surprise, the performance was joined by rapper Megan Thee Stallion for a rap remix, and Becky G and Luis Fonsi, who delivered an ending verse in celebration of the night. The anticipated performance of the hit musical song resulted in having mixed reactions from the fans as most were left disappointed upon expecting an original performance from the cast.
But nevertheless, it was still a huge night for both the cast and the fans as Encanto won in the category of Best Animated Feature Film.
The Oscar for Best Animated Feature goes to… #Oscars pic.twitter.com/8k8sJTtT37
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
Billie Eilish and Finneas win an Oscar for “No Time To Die”
American singer-songwriters and siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas also delivered a heartwarming performance of their nominated original song, “No Time To Die”, which was featured in the 2021 James Bond film with the same title. And despite the song being released almost two years ago, the song itself proves that it’s not about to die anytime soon as it won the category for Best Original Song. Billie Eilish and Finneas took the time to thank their parents for the win during their speech.
The Oscar for Best Original Song goes to… #Oscars pic.twitter.com/GviJzb3XZo
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
Ariana DeBose becomes the first queer woman of color to win Best Actress
Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story star Ariana DeBose, who played the role of Anita, made a historic win as she took home the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, making her the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to win an acting award in the Oscars. In an emotional speech, Ariana DeBose gave thanks to actress Rita Moreno, who originally played Anita in the 1961 West Side Story, for paving the way for tons of Anitas like her. The actress ended her speech in a powerful note, “If you find yourself living in gray spaces, I promise you this, there is indeed a place for us.”
Troy Kostur makes history as the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar
Another historical win came for CODA star Troy Kotsur, who plays the role of Frank Rossi, as he wins the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, making him the first deaf man to win an acting award. In another heart-touching moment, as Troy Kotsur receives his award the audience applauded him in sign language. The actor dedicated his speech to his late father, and to the disabled community, “This is dedicated to the deaf community, CODA community, disabled community. This is our moment!”.
The night even became more special for the cast and crew of the film as CODA (2021) made history as it wins the Best Picture for the 94th Academy Awards, making it the first film with a predominantly deaf cast to win in this category.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage for making a joke about his wife
But perhaps the ultimate highlight to the night’s awarding ceremony is the heated moment between nominated actor Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock, which left the audience and thousands of viewers globally with their mouths wide open.
Chris Rock was on stage to present an award for Best Documentary, when he cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith, saying, “G.I Jane 2, can’t wait to see you”, referencing the actress’ buzzcut hairstyle. But the thing is, the actress has been vocal about her current struggles with her condition and disease alopecia, which causes hair loss and bald spots.
This may have triggered her husband, Will Smith, as he stood up and went up to the stage to smack Chris Rock. Smith then left the stage leaving the comedian’s shocked face. As Smith returns to his seat, he then mouthed profanities towards Rock. The telecast was muted in different countries but there were several who left it uncensored – Smith shouted strongly to leave his wife’s name out of the comedian’s mouth.
And even after the surprising turn of events, the nominated actor bagged the Best Actor award for playing the role of Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. This is Will Smith’s third nomination and his first ever Oscar win. In his sentimental acceptance speech, Smith took the time to apologize to the Academy and his fellow nominees for the prior incident. The actor also dedicated his speech to the entire cast and crew of the film and gave a shoutout to the Williams family, and added, “Art imitates life; just like they said, I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”
BTS makes a surprise appearance at the Oscars
But wait, the list is not yet over! Another surprise highlight in this year’s Oscars is the short but sweet appearance of global superstars BTS. In a pre-recorded TV spot, BTS members shared their love and admiration for Disney movies. Jimin and RM, even named their favorite film, Coco (2017), which according to RM he watched three times and cried. They also mentioned Aladdin as their favorite and gave a shoutout to actor Will Smith who played Genie in the live-action film. ARMYs all over the world were taken by surprise with BTS’ sudden appearance as well.
For the complete list of winners at the 94th Academy Awards, check here.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s Oscars? Let us know in the comments!
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