Oscars 2022 has come and gone, and unlike the 2021 ceremony which left us snoozing, this year had plenty of excitement, glamour, and gayness to keep us interested. Those moments also extend far beyond a now-infamous slap between two of Hollywood’s biggest stars. In case you missed it, have a look at a recap of Oscar 2022’s gayest moments to fill us with joy, pride, or that made us just laugh out loud… all told in convenient GIF form.
Ariana DeBose Makes History
DeBose became the first out-queer woman of color to pick up the Best Supporting Actress award. In her speech, she told the world, “You see a queer, openly queer woman of color, an Afro Latina who found her strength in life through art. And that’s what I believe we’re here to celebrate. Yeah, so, to anybody who has ever questioned your identity ever, ever, ever, or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us.” What is this? History in the making. It’s also us reaching for the Kleenex.
The Hosts Get Gay
In order to tick off Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida–who just this morning signed his “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law–Wanda Sykes led hosts Regina Hall and Amy Schumer in a chorus of chanting gay. We joined in at home.
Regina Hall’s COVID Testing
We love Regina Hall. We love her even more for recruiting some of Hollywood’s hottest men for a COVID test that would involve her swabbing their throats with her tongue. Funny, we’ve thought about swabbing several of these guys with our tongue on many occasions.
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Ben Proudfoot’s Plea
Director Ben Proudfoot, upon picking up his Best Documentary Short Oscar for Queen of Basketball, made a public plea to “bring Brittney Griner home.” WNBA star Griner, an out lesbian, was detained in Russia in February on dubious drug charges. She remains held there without access to a lawyer.
Jessica Chastain’s Oscar Speech
Chastain, who nabbed the Best Actress statue for playing gay icon Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, made a bid to become an icon herself. In her acceptance speech, she made to end high rates of suicide, “especially members of the LGBTQ community, who oftentimes feel out of place with their peers.” She also made a veiled dig at the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, saying “We’re faced with discriminatory and bigoted legislation that is sweeping our country, with the only goal of further dividing us.” She assured queer viewers you are unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you.”
Beyoncé Slays
Dude, it’s Academy Award nominee Beyoncé performing at the Oscars. What’s not to love?
The Legends Liza & Gaga
A pair of legendary, Oscar-winning icons–Liza Minnelli and Lady Gaga–partnered up to award the statue for Best Picture. The genuine friendship on display made our hearts swell, as did Gaga appearing in a Minnelli-style sequin suit.
Elliot Paige Returns
Oscar-nominated Juno star Elliot Page made his big return to the Academy Awards stage following his coming out as transgender. The appearance marked a new level of trans visibility in the history of the show. Plus, Elliot looked so dapper in his tux!
A Farewell to Betty White
The Academy paid tribute to the late Betty White with a moving choral salute, and an appearance by queer ally Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis, clutching a puppy, encouraged viewers to support White’s pet cause: finding homes for stray dogs and cats.
Wanda & Regina in Drag
Host Wanda Sykes donned full-on King Richard drag as part of her tribute to one of her favorite films of the year. Regina Hall did some drag of her own… dressing up as Tammy Faye Bakker from The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Not to be outdone, fellow host Amy Schumer donned a Spider-Man costume and flew in on a set of wires. While not drag exactly, we still laughed pretty hard.
All GIFS via Giphy.
johncp56
Great after the masked pandemic, gay gay gay,, forget the slap, i,m over it, anyone would have been walked off the set,
charette8596
How was Regina Hall in drag?
jcool
she was dressed as tammy fae. epitome of drag
james7
Much has been made of the slap from Will Smith…..I was left thinking how someone from Britain would have handled a joke in poor taste about one’s spouse. A Brit wouldn’t resort to violence; but instead would crack some whitty rejoiner that would have made everyone laugh at the dude exhibiting poor taste. Humor can defuse a caustic remark; and it’s just so American to slug someone you feel has slighted you, eh? There are many other ways, wiser, that Will Smith could have shown some character without resorting to violence.
Rikki Roze
My favorite part of the entire evening was the moment when Liza became confused and wasn’t sure what to say. She looked up at Lady Gaga for help. Gaga leaned over to her, held her hand and reassuringly said, “I’ve got you.” Touching, lovely, caring and compassionate. Go Gaga!