What we covered here
- Hollywood’s biggest night: Scroll down to see what you missed at the 94th annual Academy Awards.
- The winners: Check out a full list of winners here.
- The red carpet: Go here to see all the glam.
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The 2022 Oscars updates
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All the casts that reunited during the Oscars
Now that the show is over, I know all you’re thinking about is Will Smith and Chris Rock, but allow me, for a moment, to offer you a reminder of simpler times during Sunday night’s Oscars.
Remember that wholesome recurring bit where the Academy reunited the casts of “Pulp Fiction,” “Juno,” “White Men Can’t Jump” and “The Godfather”? Precious.
Time has been kind to these fine actors.
The reunions made me want to watch all these movies again. Maybe I’ll do this after my customary three hours of post-Oscars meme hunting. Make that four hours. Something tells me this year’s are going to be good.
The Oscars are over. Now, it's time to party
Hollywood is ready to party!
From the Governors Ball to the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s annual party, it’s going to be a night on the town for celebrities.
The Governor’s Ball is where the celebs make their first stop to get their Oscars engraved and eat yummy cuisine.
Elton John has been hosting his Oscars party since 1993 to raise money for his foundation.
To be a fly on the wall at those parties.
But we can all enjoy the photos in the morning to see what the stars changed into for their second looks of the night.
'CODA' wins best picture at the Oscars
“CODA” won the coveted best picture Oscar on Sunday night and received a moving round of silent applause. The coming-of-age film from Apple tells the story of a young girl played by Emilia Jones, who is the only hearing person in her deaf family.
This is the first time the streamer has won an Academy Award for best picture.
The film received three nominations at the 94th Academy Awards. Troy Kotsur, who starred as Jones’ father in the film, made Oscars history when he took home the best supporting actor Oscar.
It marks only the second time a deaf performer has won an Academy Award. The first time was Marlee Matlin who won in 1987 for her role in the film, “Children of a Lesser God.”
Written and directed by Sian Heder, she won the Oscar for adapted screenplay on Sunday.
The film also won the SAG Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.
Jessica Chastain wins best actress award
Jessica Chastain won the Oscar for best actress for her role in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” on Sunday and used her speech to touch on suicide, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and the hopelessness that so many have felt.
“In times like this, I think of Tammy and am inspired by her radical acts of love,” Chastain said. “We’ve talked about love a lot tonight. I’m inspired by her compassion, and I see it as a guiding principle.”
The late Tammy Faye Bakker, who Chastain portrayed, was a diligent activist for the LGBTQ+ community.
Chastain noted that we all want to be accepted for “who we are,” “who we love,” and “to live a life without the fear of violence or terror.”
“For any of you out there who do in fact feel hopeless or alone, I just want you to know that you are unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you,” Chastain said.
Will Smith apologizes to the Academy and his fellow nominees during best actor speech
Will Smith won his first Academy Award on Sunday night and, during his acceptance speech, offered his apologies to the Academy and others for an earlier incident in which the actor appeared to strike presenter Chris Rock.
He tearfully accepted the award for his role as Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, in the film “King Richard.” Smith said Williams “was a fierce defender of his family.”
Smith said, “I know to do what we do, you gotta be able to take abuse and have people talk people about you. In this business, you gotta have people disrespecting you. And you gotta smile and pretend that’s ok.”
Smith also talked about being a “protector” and thanked the tennis legends and their family.
Smith shared that prior to his win, fellow nominee Denzel Washington shared some wisdom with him: “At your highest moment be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”
Smith ended saying that he hopes the Academy welcomes him back.
Jane Campion wins best director
“The Power of the Dog’ director Jane Campion is an Oscar winner.
Campion on Sunday won the award for best director, becoming the third woman to win the prize.
The first was Kathryn Bigelow, who won for “Hurt Locker” and “Nomadland” director Chloé Zhao won last year.
Last month, Campion made history when she became the first woman to ever be nominated twice in the category.
Her first nomination was for the 1993 film “The Piano.” That same year, she won an Oscar for best screenplay for the same movie.
When Campion earned her first nomination, she was only the second woman ever nominated in the category. The first was Lina Wertmüller, nominated for 1976′s “Seven Beauties.”
In recent years, women have been better represented in the category. Two women – Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman”) and eventual winner Zhao – were nominated in the category in the same year for the first time.
Campion was the favorite to take home the award tonight.
Her fellow nominees were Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”), Ryusuke Hamaguchi (“Drive My Car”), Paul Thomas Anderson (“Licorice Pizza”) and Steven Spielberg (“West Side Story”).
Spielberg previously beat out Campion in this category in 1994 with his win for “Schindler’s List.”
Will Smith did not take kindly to Chris Rock's joke
Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which did not appear to go over well with her husband Will Smith.
While presenting the award for best documentary, Rock joked, “Jada I love you, ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it.”
The camera cut to Pinkett Smith, who rolled her eyes as she sat next to Smith.
“That was a nice one,” Rock said, appearing to respond to the joke not going over well.
Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that leads to hair loss.
Rock then said, “Oh uh,” and laughed as Smith walked toward him on stage and appeared to strike Rock in the face.
According to CNN reporter Stephanie Elam, who is in the audience, she could hear Rock getting hit. Smith said twice during the incident, according to Elam, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!”
Rock responded: “Oh, wow.”
For viewers at home, censors muted the verbal part of the exchange between Rock and Smith.
The theater went silent and Rock said, “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs took to the stage later and told Smith and Rock that they would settle things “like family” later.
Billie Eilish and Finneas perform 'No Time To Die'
Billie Eilish took the stage with her brother Finneas at the Oscars on Sunday night to perform “No Time To Die” from the James Bond film of the same name.
They are nominated for best original song, which they co-wrote.
This is the second time they’ve taken the Oscars stage. In 2020, she sang “Yesterday” by The Beatles with her brother during the in memoriam segment.
'Encanto' gets the Oscars on their feet
One of the most exciting performances of Oscars night was “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the hit Disney animated film “Encanto.”
The performance featured surprise cameos from Megan Thee Stallion and Becky G.
The catchy tune, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, knocked Adele’s “Easy On Me” out of the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became the first Disney song to reach the top spot since “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin” in 1993.
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has been streamed more than 34 million times, according to Billboard.
Sebastian Yatra also performed the ballad “Dos Oruguitas” from the film during the show.
“Encanto” is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard and was released in the fall.
It tells the story of a family from Colombia named the Madrigals, who each have magical gifts in their town called Encanto. One character, an estranged uncle named Bruno, has the power see the future.
But as the song title suggests, the Madrigal family would prefer not to talk about it.
Love for Ukraine
Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, took a moment while introducing a best song of the year nominee and performance to address the anguish in her homeland.
“Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted,” Kunis said. “Yet, when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it’s impossible to not be moved by their resilience. One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness.”
Kunis, who along with her husband Ashton Kutcher has raised millions for Ukraine, introduced Reba McEntire singing “Somehow You Do,” a “song of resilience” from the film “Four Good Days.”
After the performance, the following words flashed on the screen:
“We’d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders. While film is an important avenue for us to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water, and emergency services. Resources are scarce, and we – collectively as a global community – can do more. We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able. #standwithukraine”
Troy Kotsur makes Oscars history
Troy Kotsur made history at the 2022 Oscars, becoming the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award in the best supporting actor category for his role in “CODA.” His co-star in the film, Marlee Matlin, won an Oscar for best actress in 1987 for her role in the movie “Children of a Lesser God.”
When Kotsur took the stage, Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung presented him with the award by signing to him and also sweetly held his Oscar so that he could use sign language to accept his award.
“This is amazing to be here on this journey. I can’t believe I’m here,” Kotsur signed. “I really want to thank all of the wonderful deaf theater stages where I was able to develop my craft as an actor.”
He continued, “My dad he was the best signer in our family but he was in a car accident and he became paralyzed from the neck down and was no longer able to sign … you are my hero.” Kotsur added that his Oscar is “dedicated” to the deaf community.
Kotsur also won a Golden Globe and SAG Award this year for his role in the film.
Encanto wins best animated feature at the Oscars
Disney’s “Encanto” won big at the Oscars, winning best animated feature film.
The film, released in November 2021, features the voices of Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitan, Diane Guerrero and Wilmer Valderrama.
The film, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, tells the story of a magical family from Colombia named the Madrigals. Main character Mirabel (Beatriz), who did not receive a special power, is tasked with saving her family’s magic and does so with help from her uncle Bruno, who can see the future.
The film’s hit song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January. The catchy tune was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and became the first Disney song to reach the top spot since the 1993 “Aladdin” hit “A Whole New World.”
Rachel Zegler got her Oscars wish
There was a backlash when “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler shared that she hadn’t been invited to this year’s Academy Award despite her movie being nominated for best film.
“I hope some last minute miracle occurs and I can celebrate our film in person but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes, I guess,” Zegler wrote on Instagram. “Thanks for all the shock and outrage - I’m disappointed too. But That’s okay. So proud of our movie.”
Well, miracles apparently do happen and Zegler got to present – alongside Jacob Elordi – for achievement in visual effects.
When Elordi said he never thought he’d be at the Oscars, Zegler joked, “I never thought that I would be here six days ago,” she said. “We did it. Dreams really can come true, pretty fast, too.”
Good one!
Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno are not the only actors to win for the same role
There truly is a place for more than one actor to play a role.
Ariana DeBose took home the best supporting actress Oscar for playing Anita in “West Side Story,” making history just like Rita Moreno did for snagging the same trophy for the same role in 1962.
Here are some other actors who have pulled off the same:
Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro - Brando won for best actor in 1973 for portraying Vito Corleone in “The Godfather,” and two years later, De Niro won for the same role in the sequel.
Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix - Legder was awarded the best supporting actor award posthumously in 2009 for playing The Joker in “The Dark Knight.” In 2020, Phoenix won for playing the villain in “Joker.”
Ariana DeBose makes Oscars history
Ariana DeBose won best actress in a supporting role for “West Side Story” at the Academy Awards on Sunday. This is her first Oscar nomination and win. DeBose has received acclaim for her role as Anita in the musical film. She is the first openly queer woman of color to win in this category.
When DeBose took the stage she emotionally said, “Even in this weird world we live in, dreams do come true… thank you Steven Spielberg you are stuck with me now.”
She also thanked her mother, who came as her guest and was in the audience. DeBose also spoke about growing up queer and said, “For anyone who has ever questioned their identity, there is indeed a place for us.”
DeBose has previously won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a SAG Award for this role.
In 1962, Rita Moreno won the same award for the same role. Moreno starred as Anita in the original “West Side Story” film and made history as the first Hispanic actress to win in the best supporting actress category.
Moreno plays drugstore owner Valentina in the remake
Oscar hosts joke in opening zinger: Hiring three women 'cheaper than hiring one man'
DJ Khaled introduced our trio of hosts for the night – Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes.
“This year the Academy hired three women to host because it’s cheaper than hiring one man,” Schumer joked.
What followed was jokes about LeBron James’ hairline in “Space Jam 2,” the lack of diversity at the Golden Globes and Samuel L. Jackson’s lack of work in a romantic comedy.
They promised a great night and, “For you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night,” Sykes said, poking fun at the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Beyoncé gave us an opening as only she could
What happens when you mix the woman who gave us “Lemonade” with the legendary tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams?
You get a full on performance of the Oscar nominated song “Be Alive” from the film “King Richard” brought to the world from the tennis courts in Compton, California where the Williams sisters honed their craft.
Bey, along with her dancers, backup singers and musicians got in “Formation” with the super tight choreography and top-tier vocals we have come to expect from the legendary artist.
“King Richard” tells the story of the Williams sisters father who helped to shape them into two of the most successful tennis stars in the history of the sport.
Will Smith is up for best actor for the role of Richard Williams.
Kristen Stewart rocks shorts on the Oscars red carpet
Kristen Stewart arrived to the Academy Awards wearing shorts. The actress, who is nominated for role as Princess Diana in “Spencer” wore the black shorts, paired with a plunging white top and black tuxedo blazer, all designed by Chanel.
Stewart’s nomination in the best actress category is her first Oscar nod. Twitter erupted with fans debating whether her look is too casual.
As for being nominated, Stewart recently told ET, “I am truly astounded and unbelievably moved and touched and just stunned,” she said.
The red carpet is back as though we never left
We can now officially say that Hollywood is all the way back.
After two years of pandemic pause, Sunday night had a hot red carpet with plenty of stars, glam and excitement.
A film about a refugee is the first in history to be nominated in all three of these categories
“Flee” was already an extraordinary film even before it became more meaningful because of current event.
The movie tells the story of Amin Nawabi (an alias to protect the actual person), who along with his family become refugees when they flee Afghanistan.
With the hundreds of thousands of Ukranians forced to leave their homeland because of the invasion by Russian forces, it’s a timely plot line (part of the film takes place in Russia).
The film, which also involves LGBTQ+ issues, is the first to be nominated for best documentary feature, best animated feature and best international feature film in the same year.
“It’s rare to get a film that is so timely and speaks so much to world events and the moment we’re living in right now,” actor Riz Ahmed, who served as an executive producer on the movie, told the Washington Post.
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