We as a people have a tendancy to get caught up in the scandalous and outrageous. Perhaps it's just human nature. Tempers ran high earlier this week after comedian and actor Chris Rock made a joke referencing Jada Pinkett Smiths shaved head. In return, her husband (whom you may have heard of) calmy walked on stage and proceeded to smack Rock across the face. It has been the topic of much debate across the internet, and subject of no less than 3 articles on this site alone (with a combined comment count of 736 and rising). The debat will rage on about who was right and who was wrong, about what the motivation was or what the punishment should be. People will make sweeping judgements and grand statements and impose their thoughts and opinions as if they were irrefutable facts. This is the internet after all... that is what we do.
I wanted to take a moment though to look away from the shock and awe of those 30 seconds, and to shed some light on some more wholesome and uplifting moments of the 3 hour long awards show.
ARIANA DEBOSE WINS BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS. THE FIRST OPENLY QUEER POC WOMAN TO DO SO.
The 31yr old talent has seen her star quickly rising in the last 2 years, moving from an ensemble member of the hit musical "Hamilton", to a series regular on musical comedy series "Schmigadoon!", to her scene stealing portayal of Anita in the Spielberg helmed remake of "West Side Story". Debose was an early favorite to win the award and also took home a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG award for the role.
We will soon be seeing Ariana taking on the role of Calypso in the upcoming Sony pictures film "Kraven", and you can watch her emotional and uplifting acceptance speech at the link below.
Ariana DeBose Accepts the Oscar for Supporting Actress - YouTube
ANTHONY HOPKINS RETURNS TO THE OSCARS, RECIEVES MASSIVE STANDING OVATION
The Allfather was regrettably absent from last years Academy Award presentations where he was nominated and won for his role in "The Father", but he returned this year to riotous applause when he walked on stage to present the award for Best Actress (which went to the above pictured Jessica Chastain).
Anthony Hopkins at Oscars 2022 - YouTube
The 84yr old Silence of the Lambs actor posted to his social media account later that evening that he was surpised by the reaction and that he "thought the standing ovation was a fire drill".
Humble as always, the 2 time Oscar winner (and 6 time nominee) was clearly unphased by the nights dramatics and could be seen having ball at the events afterparty.
Anthony Hopkins dances at the Oscars after party!
A SILENT CLAP FOR CODA AND STAR TROY KOTSUR
Wildly acclaimed film CODA went 3 for 3 with its nominations, bringing home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Film.
While the wins may not have been surprising to most, they did lead to a surprisingly tender and emotional moment when the audience responded to the victories with a standing ovation and presenting the "silent clap" frequently used in the hearing imparied community.
Silent Clap for CODA - Twitter
Troy Kotsur also made history as only the 2nd deaf person in Oscars history to bring home the award, and the first male to do so. CODA costar Marley Matlon was the first to do so when she claimed the award for Best Actress in 1987 (Children of a Lesser God).
LADY GAGA SUPPORTS LIZA MINELLI AS THEY PRESENT TOGETHER FOR BEST PICTURE.
Lady Gaga had been announced early on as the evenings presenter for Best Motion Picture. What people weren't expecting was to see her accompanied by Liza Minelli, who was celebrating the 50th anniversary of her film Cabaret (which earned her the award for Best Actress in 1973).
Throughout the presentation, Gaga continued to heap praise and admiration on her presenting partner. The legendary entertainer and daughter of Judy Garland has been in poor health for a number of years now, and seemed both overwhelmed and slightly confused at the spectacle before her. Gaga, not missing a beat, was immediately supportive and helpful in helping Liza find her place.
In a wonderfully candid moment, you can hear Gaga whisper "I got you" to liza as the show shifts to the video package of the Best Picture nominees. Regardless of your taste in music, this was a class act by the "A Star is Born" actress.
Lady Gaga with Liza Minelli at the Oscars - Youtube
What was your favorite Oscars moment this year? Were you wrapped up in the hype of "the slap", or were you touched by one of the more positive and personal moments? Leave your thoughts below!