High mass of American cinema awards, the 94th Academy Awards was held this Sunday, March 27 in the traditional Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Here are five highlights that marked this gala evening.
A minute of silence for Ukraine
In tribute to the Ukrainian people, the guests observed a minute of silence during the ceremony. During this moment of meditation, texts were broadcast on the giant screen, calling on spectators to send help. “We ask you to help Ukraine in every way possible,” read one of the messages.
#STANDWITHUKRAINE pic.twitter.com/mcsSzSwUpu
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) March 28, 2022
Several stars also expressed their solidarity. Actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, spoke just before this brief moment of contemplation, saying in particular that “we can only admire those who find the strength to continue to fight in the midst of unimaginable darkness. Actor Jason Momoa sported a cover in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, while director Francis Ford Coppola launched “Viva Ukraine”.
Will Smith’s slap
This ceremony was also marked by an incident between comedian Chris Rock and actor Will Smith. On stage to present the Oscar for best documentary, the comedian joked about the shaved head of Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of Will Smith, who suffers from alopecia, which causes significant hair loss. Which strongly displeased the actor. Displeased, the latter suddenly got up and then slapped Chris Rock.
Last night at the Oscars, Will Smith punched Chris Rock hard after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. pic.twitter.com/cyIg5G7asL
—Skuurtnews (@Skuurtnews) March 28, 2022
“Don’t say my wife’s name with your fucking mouth,” the actor snapped back in place, AFP reported. He then apologized, in tears, by receiving the Oscar for best actor for “The Williams Method”, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. After the evening, the Los Angeles police clarified that Chris Rock had not filed a complaint.
Will Smith wins the#Oscar for best actor for his role in “The Williams Method” and we have tears with him pic.twitter.com/wS04NyStJ9
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) March 28, 2022
Applause for Troy Kotsur
Dramatic comedy adapted from the French film “La Famille Bélier”, “CODA” triumphed by receiving the supreme award, the Oscar for best film. Director Sian Heder also won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay and Troy Kotsur, deaf from birth, the trophy for best supporting actor.
As he made his way to the stage to collect his statuette, the whole room clapped in sign language for the actor, who plays the father of a family, and dedicated his victory to the “deaf and disabled community”. The 53-year-old American, previously noted for his role in “The Number 23”, has become the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar for a supporting role.
A very beautiful moment offered by the #Oscars.
Applause in sign language for Troy Kotsur, winner of Best Supporting Actor for #CODA. pic.twitter.com/8NaZte9moP
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) March 28, 2022
An evening of music
The evening gave pride of place to music. Singer Beyoncé notably opened the ceremony from the Compton tennis courts, where Venus and Serena Williams trained, by performing “Be Alive”, the flagship song of “The Williams Method”, which returns to the role of Richard Williams , the father and trainer of these two champions.
The superb opening of the Ceremony of #Oscars.
Beyonce performs “Be Alive” (“The Williams Method”) from the Compton tennis courts where Venus and Serena Williams trained pic.twitter.com/WaAvrwTY4Z
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) March 28, 2022
Megan Thee Stallion, she ignited the room with a remix of “We don’t talk about Bruno”, the hit of “Encanto, the fantastic Madrigal family”, which won the prize for best animated film.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion performs with the cast of Let’s Not Talk About Bruno at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/mJkSZ7dzsY
— ti chabin 972 Rpzt (@thewoorstt) March 28, 2022
For her part, Billie Eilish caused a sensation by performing “No Time To Die”, composed for the last James Bond. Thanks to this title, the young singer won the statuette for the best song for a film.
This voice…
Billie Eilish and Finneas on stage #Oscars with “Dying can wait”, to discover on April 16 on CANAL +. pic.twitter.com/5TxwiVEmTr
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) March 28, 2022
Another legendary voice: that of Liza Minnelli, who concluded the evening with Lady Gaga to present the Oscar for best film. Diminished and in a wheelchair, Minnelli, 76, appeared all smiles. “I’m so happy to be here,” she said.
Frail people exist. Old people exist. Liza Minelli’s appearance at the Oscars was a powerful moment of inclusivity. She looked beautiful and I hope she had a fabulous night. @Lady Gaga #Oscars2022 pic.twitter.com/Kbf93AjUYB
—Susan Pedler (@SusanPedler) March 28, 2022
Another statuette for “Anita” from “West Side Story”
Sixty years ago, the legendary Rita Moreno won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita in the musical film “West Side Story”. Rare thing, Ariana DeBose received the Oscar in the same category for the same role, in the remake of Steven Spielberg.
Ariana Debose wins the#Oscar Best Supporting Actress for her performance in West Side Story pic.twitter.com/wJGyUfQsuq
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) March 28, 2022
The 31-year-old actress, who hails from Puerto Rico like Rita Moreno, paid tribute to her predecessor, 90, who applauded her in the room. “Your Anita paved the way for thousands of Anitas like me,” she said, referring to the Puerto Rican immigrant character they both played.
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Oscars 2022: the 5 highlights of the 94th ceremony