The 94th annual Academy Awards were… a doozy let’s just say. While the ugliness of the incident (you know the one we’re talking about) and the audience’s reaction to it (which has been repeatedly described as “sickening” and “gross“), cast a shadow over the ceremony, it was the compassionate acts of some very talented and hardworking women that still found a way to shine through.
The 2022 Oscars, hosted by Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes, feature two bright acts of kindness that really stood out, starting with Lady Gaga and Liza Minelli.
The actress/singers were tapped to present the nominees and winner for “Best Picture.”
Minelli, 76, sat in her wheelchair as Gaga introduced her to the audience.
“I am honored to present the final award of the evening with a true show business legend. She’s celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cabaret… Oscar award-winning actress Liza Minelli,” Gaga said.
The audience cheered wildly and applauded the icon who has had an incredible career and an extremely devoted fanbase.
Minelli has suffered from health problems over the years, so fans were happy to see her on stage.
After all, “What good is sitting alone in your room…?” the Cabaret star once sang.
While the majority of those in attendance at these kinds of awards shows are trained in how to read off teleprompters, laugh, and applaud on cue, Minnelli had a little trouble when it came to running her lines.
That’s when Gaga swooped in to respectfully assist Minelli leaning over to whisper “I got you,” to which Minelli responded, “I know.”
Upworthy applauded Gaga’s compassionate way of handling the situation:
“Lady Gaga’s genuine love for the elders in the showbiz community shows in the care she shows them. Far from being patronizing or infantilizing, Gaga beautifully balances being helpful with respecting and honoring their dignity.”
Jessica Chastain also spread some love with her heartwarming speech for her win of “Best Actress” for her role as evangelist Tammy Faye Messner, formerly Tammy Faye Baker, in the film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” which was produced through her production company Freckle Films.
The movie tells the tale of Faye’s “rise, fall, and redemption” as one of the first evangelical Christians to support and show acceptance of the LGBTQ community and those with AIDS and tell them that they are loved just the way are.
“How sad that we as Christians, who are to be the salt of the earth, we who are supposed to be able to love everyone, are afraid so badly of an AIDS patient that we will not go up and put our arm around them and tell them that we care?” she famously said in a 1985 interview with a gay Christian pastor with AIDS.
Source: Movieclips Coming Soon
Chastain used her award speech as a similar platform as Tammy Faye did to tell people they are “unconditionally loved.”
“I’m inspired by her compassion and I see it as a guiding principle that leads us forward, and it connects us all in the desire that we want to be accepted for who we are, accepted for who we love and to live a life without the fear of violence or terror. For any of you out there who do, in fact, feel hopeless or alone, I just want you to know that you are unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you,” the actress said.
“Right now, we are coming out of a lot of difficult times that have been filled with a lot of trauma and isolation. And so many people out there feel hopelessness and they feel alone. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It’s touched many families – it’s touched mine – and especially members of the LGBTQ community, who oftentimes feel out of place with their peers,” she said.
The Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role goes to Jessica Chastain for her stunning performance in 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye.' Congratulations! #Oscars @jes_chastain pic.twitter.com/fsqe1QDL3U
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
“We’re faced with discriminatory and bigoted legislation, which is sweeping our country, with the only goal of further dividing us. There’s violence and hate crimes being perpetrated on innocent civilians all over the world. In times like this, I think of Tammy and I’m inspired by her radical acts of love – we’ve talked about love a lot tonight.”
So, while some may be focusing on that awful thing that happened at the Oscars, love was still able to take the stage.
Watch Lady Gaga and Liza’s touching interaction in the video below.
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This is like a lesson in how to facilitate older people while honouring who they are.
What a class act by @ladygaga with legend Liza Minnelli.
The conferred whispers of “I gotcha” “I know” picked up by the mikes make it especially touching.pic.twitter.com/2JOWyrTQxn— Naomi O’Leary (@NaomiOhReally) March 28, 2022
