Three Oscar Moments to Talk About that Aren’t The Slap

Monday morning in London, I went straight to the internet to find out the important news that had happened Sunday night in the US:

Who had won the March Madness basketball games – and who had won the Oscars.

But there was no time to celebrate the basketball scores – or even the Academy Award winners – because one story dominated the news.

I won’t comment on it, because frankly, everyone else already has. Even OJ Simpson has weighed in (really?).

So instead, I would like to shine the spotlight on a few other moments from this year’s Academy Awards ceremony that deserve to be celebrated.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Ariana DeBose’s win and speech

Ariana DeBose’s speech was beautiful and touching. 

She reminded us why Anita sings such a positive song about America in West Side Story – because dreams do come true in America. 

Seeing ‘an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina who found her strength in life through art’ celebrated would have connected with so many people. DeBose’s win and words showed people who have found themselves ‘living in the gray spaces’ that ‘there is indeed a place for us.’

2. Troy Kotsur’s win and speech

Kotsur became the second deaf actor to win an Oscar. In his speech, he recognized the opportunities he had to develop his craft as an actor in deaf theaters, and dedicated his award to the deaf community, the CODA community, and the disabled community.

His speech brought humor and heart. And get your tissues ready for the part where he talks about his dad.

3. Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli joining forces to announce Best Picture

Lady Gaga made sure the spotlight shone on Liza Minnelli as they shared the stage to announce the Best Picture nominees.

Gaga reminded the crowd that Minnelli was celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cabaret (a film that won Minnelli the Best Actress Oscar). Gaga introduced Minnelli as a showbiz legend, and saw that the crowd recognized her as one, too.

But the most touching moment was seeing Gaga help Minnelli along as she struggled a bit introducing the Best Picture nominees.

“I got you,” Gaga whispered as she held Minnelli’s hand.

“I know,” Minnelli responded.

And if those three moments don’t connect with you, how about Beyonce’s performance of It Feels So Good to Be Alive, her nominated song from King Richard?

Or seeing Sian Heder collect the Oscar for Best Screenplay for CODA?

Or how moved Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson was to win the Oscar for his documentary Summer of Soul?

Maybe you also enjoyed seeing three women – Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes – make history hosting the show this year. It seems people think they did a good job (or at least not a terrible job — as we’d be hearing about it if that was the consensus!).

And if you want to have fighting words about the Oscars with someone on the internet, maybe you can opine on Timothee Chalamet’s choice to turn up at the ceremony shirtless…

There’s plenty of moments from the Oscars to talk about and celebrate – though sadly, they are unlikely to be what the 2022 ceremony is remembered for.

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Beth Collier loves movies, positivity, and finding business lessons from pop culture.

She also loves helping companies, leaders and teams improve their communication (and creativity and leadership) through consulting, coaching, and workshops.

Her clients benefit from Beth’s global corporate experience, Midwestern practicality and enthusiasm – and an endless supply of pop culture references.

To find out how Beth can help you become a more confident, creative, and compelling leader – or improve communication in your company – visit www.beth-collier.com or drop her a line at beth@beth-collier.com

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