With the Academy Awards being the peak recognition of the cinematic world, the awards show is a big deal for actors and film crew alike. "Hollywood's biggest night" is never dull, however, fans believe that the 2022 Oscars will go down in history for several reasons.
Between the tearful acceptance speeches, the highly-entertaining performances, and even the shocking altercations, the ceremony was an eclectic bundle of entertainment, to say the least. While it's difficult to narrow down all the great parts of the show, there are definitely some stand-out situations that fans can't stop talking about.
Regina Hall's COVID Test Joke
An awards show in this era wouldn't be an awards show without a few mentions of COVID, but this time, the talented Regina Hall chose to make light of the situation. The eclectic actress proceeded to call several of Hollywood's single heartthrobs to the stage, including Timothée Chalamet, Bradley Cooper, Tyler Perry, and Simu Liu.
Claiming she needed these hunky stars to come with her backstage for a "COVID test" where they would take off their masks "and their clothes," her unexpectedly raunchy jokes got the crowd laughing immediately. She also called several taken people up on the stage, including Will Smith and Javier Bardem, though they did not join her on stage.
Yatra's Performance Of Encanto's "Dos Oruguitas"
Colombian singer Yatra was recruited to sing the hit song "Dos Oruguitas" from Encanto on stage and the creative display thrilled fans everywhere. Not only was Yatra's take on the song smooth and buttery, but the imagery on the stage was to die for.
With the stage being decorated in the most lovely and authentic floral pieces as seen in Encanto, the tone of the song quickly came together, and Yatra's suit even had butterfly detailing on it. Overall, the performance was a beautiful look into Colombian culture and fans believe it paid homage to the greatness that is the Disney film Encanto.
Encanto's Animated Film Win And Speech
To no surprise, Disney's smash hit Encanto took home the award for Best Animated Film, and the speech given by the creators was moving in itself. In the acceptance speech, Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino, and Clark Spencer go on to communicate their intention for making such a powerful and way-paving film: "I am so proud to be a part of a film that puts beautiful, diverse characters in front and center and that people everywhere are seeing themselves in the film."
In a world where representation and equality are necessary in the world of cinema, the makers behind Encanto made their vision clear, and their passion was thoroughly communicated. To fans, it is no question that the wildly popular Disney film earned this nomination and win.
Troy Kotsur Makes History, Wins Best Supporting Actor
Many fans believed Troy was a shoo-in for the Supporting Actor category, and rightfully so. As the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award, the whole room gave him a standing ovation and even applauded him in sign language, making for a tear-jerking moment.
Not only is Kotsur an underrated actor according to many fans, but his nomination and win most importantly paves the way for the deaf community. Viewers hope that in the future, more deaf actors will continue to make history in film, as movies featuring hard-of-hearing characters are becoming more on the rise.
Megan Thee Stallion Joins "We Don't Talk About Bruno" Performance
With the Encanto soundtrack consisting of many catchy songs, it would be no secret that the music would dominate this year's Oscars performances. The children's demographic largely rules the soundtrack's success on the charts, with the movie's most popular song being "We Don't Talk About Bruno."
One of the biggest surprises of the evening was Megan Thee Stallion making a guest appearance and adding her own rap verse to the song. While it was a crossover nobody expected, the lively performance indeed brought a fun and positive vibe to the show.
Billie Eilish And Finneas O'Connell's "No Time To Die" Performance
With Billie Eilish being one of the most-watched and streamed artists right now, fans weren't shocked to hear Billie and Finneas would take on the nerve-wracking task of writing a song for the new James Bond movie. Unsurprisingly, their performance of the hit was moving, haunting, and beautiful all at the same time, and their song even went on to win an Oscar later that night.
The young pop artist's singing style is usually on the softer side, so once the audience heard her belting ability, some couldn't help but give her a standing ovation. The musical duo remains one of the most respected in the business right now, as they can produce hits anywhere they go, even in their own bedrooms.
Regina's Kim Kardashian Joke
Regina makes a joke, yet again, that made audience members simultaneously cackle and gasp, and this time it was at the expense of Kim Kardashian. In a clip that went viral recently, Kim gives her business advice for women, including "get your f***ing a** up and work."
Many fans believe this comment was out of touch, as she has a much different life than the average woman that lives paycheck to paycheck. However, Regina made light of this idea as she handed Belfast star, Judi Dench, a "consolation prize" consisting of Kim's best business advice to work harder.
Will Smith And Chris Rock's Altercation
It's no surprise that this very tense moment made headlines immediately, as the situation is still very shocking. Fans believe that Chris' joke comparing Jada Pinkett Smith's lack of hair due to Alopecia to the bald "G.I. Jane" haircut was in poor taste, however, viewers were shocked that Will took the situation as far as to slap Chris on live television.
While the viewers weren't positive if the situation was a joke or not, it was hard to watch nonetheless. With the various frantic cuts made in the live broadcast and Will's tearful speech moments later, fans were led to believe the situation was much more real and personal than anyone realized.
Will's Winning Speech For Leading Role In "King Richard"
Though it's hard to argue Will's incredible performance in King Richard didn't earn the win, fans were still shocked to see him win after the altercation with Chris Rock. With this Academy Award being Will's first, it was difficult for fans to watch this special and exciting moment be overshadowed by his lapse in judgment earlier in the ceremony.
His tearful acceptance speech lasted a shocking six minutes and he took the opportunity to compare himself with his character: "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family." While some fans believe that his speech about the power of love didn't fully translate in relation to his violent actions, it's clear that the audience members still wanted Smith to have his long overdue shining moment.
Jessica Chastain's Moving Speech After Best Actress Win
Though at this point in the show it was still hard for fans to shake the Will and Chris situation, Jessica Chastain gave arguably the most important and impactful speech of the night. After thoroughly thanking the Academy as well as her coworkers and those that have gotten her to where she is today, Chastain took the time to shine a light on more important matters.
Speaking on the increasing suicide rate, especially among the LGBTQ+ community, Jessica stressed the fact that we truly need more love in the world and none of us are truly alone. Fans not only believe Jessica is a truly compassionate class act, but now the highly talented and beloved actress finally has her long-overdue achievement of Best Actress in a Leading Role.