2022 Oscars: Awards, speeches and highlights
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Loading... - Allison Bergeron
- 28 Mar 2022
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There were a number of historic firsts as the 94th Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood Sunday night — but they were overshadowed by a shocking moment when Will Smith walked up on stage and smacked Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Then, less than 30 minutes later, Smith gave an emotional speech after winning his first Oscar, for Best Actor. In a line that seemed to allude to his behavior, Smith said that Richard Williams, whom he portrayed in "King Richard," was a "fierce defender of his family," and he offered an apology to the Academy and his fellow nominees.
A big winner of the night was "CODA," a coming-of-age film starring three Deaf actors. It took home Best Picture, and Troy Kotsur became the first Deaf man to win an acting Oscar. Kotsur's win was greeted by the audience raising their hands in a gesture of silent applause..
"This is an amazing journey, I can't believe I'm here," Kotsur said. The film was also the first Best Picture Oscar for a streaming service, Apple+.
Other big wins included Ariana DeBose, the first openly queer woman of color to take home Best Supporting Actress. DeBose won for playing Anita in "West Side Story," the same role that Rita Moreno won for 60 years ago.
Though "The Power of the Dog" led the nominations with 12, its only major win went to director Jane Campion. Best Actress went to Jessica Chastain for her role in "In the Eyes of Tammy Faye."
"Dune" was also a big winner, taking home six awards, including Best Cinematography.
For the first time in several years, the Oscars show had a host — three, in fact, with Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes sharing hosting duties.
"This year, the Academy hired three women to host because it's cheaper than hiring one man," Schumer quipped.
Midway through Sunday night's broadcast, the show observed a moment of silence to honor the ongoing struggle in Ukraine. "We collectively as a global community can do more," said a statement displayed on screen. "We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able."
Academy reacts to Will Smith-Chris Rock incident
After the broadcast ended, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scientists took to Twitter to weigh in on Chris Rock slapping Will Smith on stage.
The Academy said it doesn't "condone violence of any form," adding simply, "Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world."
"CODA" ends the night with Best Picture win
In what may be seen as an upset, the heartwarming film "CODA" took home the Academy Award for Best Picture. Lady Gaga and Liza Minelli announced the night's highest honor, and the award was accepted by the producers and cast of the film, with sign language interpreters front and center.
"CODA" won in all three of the categories it was nominated for: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur.
"CODA" (which stands for Child of Deaf Adults) tells the story of a Deaf family — Kotsur and Marlee Matlin play the parents — and how their hearing daughter comes of age and faces the difficulty of choosing between a more independent future and staying with her family.
The win is also a triumph for the streaming industry, with Apple+ becoming the first streaming service to take home the Oscar for Best Picture.
"Thank you to the Academy for letting 'CODA' make history tonight," producer Philippe Rousselet said.
Jessica Chastain wins Best Actress for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"
Jessica Chastain won the Oscar for her face-changing performance in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye."
Chastain, who wore major prosthetics to transform herself into the famed televangelist, thanked her fellow nominees, whom she said it was an honor to be nominated and a part of the conversation with.
The Best Actress winner also spoke out against 'bigoted" and "discriminatory" legislation focused on LGBTQ+ youth.
"For any of you out there that do in fact feel hopeless and alone, I just want you to know that you are unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you," Chastain said in her acceptance speech.
Will Smith wins his first Oscar for Best Actor in "King Richard"
Will Smith took home the Oscar for Best Actor his role in "King Richard," becoming the fifth Black man to win the award.
Smith's speech focused on love and protection, only a few minutes after the shocking moment where he struck comedian Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Smith's wife. Smith began to cry as he gave his acceptance speech.
"Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith said, in tears. "In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world."
"I want to be a vessel for love," he said.
He also said, "I want to apologize to the Academy, I want to apologize to my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I''m not crying for winning an award … it's about being able to shine a light."
He added, laughing amid his tears, "I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams." Read More…
