The 94th Academy Awards will forever be known for the worst unscripted moment that is Will Smith slapping Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife. However, there are a few more iconic moments that should be remembered as it was the first time that in real life since before the pandemic, Hollywood’s biggest night found its stars speaking out for the many different issues facing the world. Other than this there are stars that scribed history as they won Oscar for the first time. Read below the moments that made the night, from historic wins for disabled actors, queer representation, and celebs using the biggest platform to speak up for people experiencing suffering around the world.
Ariana DeBose Creates History As First Queer Woman To Win Oscar
Actress Ariana DeBose won an Oscar for the best-supporting actress at the 94th Academy Awards. However, it is an important step for representation in Hollywood as she became the first openly queer woman of color and the second Latina to ever win an Oscar. DeBose won the award for her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story.
Mila Kunis Addresses Russia-Ukraine War
Ted actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, spoke on the Oscar stage about the devastating ongoing conflict in the country that has led to an estimated 3.8 million people fleeing for safety. And following the actress’ speech, The Academy Awards broadcast held a moment of silence ‘to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict, and prejudice within their own border,’ according to a statement from the organizers.
Troy Kotsur Becomes First Deaf Star To Win An Acting Oscar
Troy Kotsur won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for CODA. He is the first deaf actor to win an Oscar in the acting category. However, he didn’t only win the Oscar, he also won the heart of attendees and viewers all over the world. Before calling his name, the previous year’s winner, Minari’s Yuh-Jung Youn, signed his name, and he arrived to accept with the whole crowd signing applause in ASL by waving their hands.
Kotsur also gave an emotional speech while paying tribute to his family including his father, who he describes as the ‘best signer’ in his family before a car accident that paralyzed him from the neck down. “This is dedicated to the deaf community, the CODA community, and the disabled community,” Kotsur said, raising his trophy aloft. “This is our moment.”
Three Women Hosted The Academy Awards For The First Time!
Actress Regina Hall and Emmy-winning comedians Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes marked history as they shared the Oscars stage to host the award ceremony. The trio kicked off the ceremony by taking a jab at the gender pay gap. Schumer quipped, “This time, the Academy hired three women to host because it’s cheaper than hiring one man.” Previously, only a handful of women, starting with Agnes Moorehead in 1948, have hosted the ceremony, but always with a male co-host.
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However, these are not the only iconic moments, Oscar 2022 was filled with historic moments that will be remembered through the generations. Jamie Lee Curtis walked the Academy Awards red carpet with a blue (WithRefugees) ribbon to show support for Ukraine. Writer Sian Heder picked up the award for best-adapted screenplay for CODA, becoming the first woman to win the award by herself since Emma Thompson in 1995.
Meanwhile, the award for best director went to Jane Campion for the queer psychodrama The Power of the Dog. Following in the footsteps of Kathryn Bigelow and Chloé Zhao, Campion is only the third female director ever to win the Oscar for best director category. Last year’s Best Actor nominee Riz Ahmed became the first Muslim and first person of Asian descent to win a live-action short for The Long Goodbye.