Normally, after an event such as the Oscars, social media and newspapers are filled with the best and worst dressed nominees and celebrities.
However, this year was different, as the internet was flooded with videos of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock across the face, after a joke regarding his wife’s alopecia. The outburst is something that has now dominated the 2022 Oscars.
Yet, violence should not overshadow the accomplishments and moments that other celebrities have worked so hard for.
Here are five moments of the night from the Oscars 2022 that should not be overshadowed by the altercation between Smith and Rock.
Normality Returns
Following two years of coronavirus, it is important to highlight that this year was the first Oscars that normal non-socially-distance awards occurred. This meant that, just like before the pandemic, the glamorous life of the red carpet and celebrities at the Oscars returned.
This resulted in fashion being appreciated, enthused over and, of course, criticised.
Timothee Chalamet was one celebrity whose outfit was heavily commented on, as he went shirtless and wore an embroidered Louis Vuitton overcoat tuxedo.
Additionally, Kristen Stewart caught the eyes of many fashion critics and admirers as she decided to wear shorts with a casual look of an unbuttoned Chanel blouse.
However, Vanessa Friedman highlights the lack of political outbursts or affiliations that are usually made at the Oscars through fashion statements. Apart from Jason Momoa’s pocket square and Benedict Cumberbatch’s pin in support of the Ukraine, political fashion took a back seat this year.
Introducing the Sporting Stars
Serena and Venus Williams were positioned at the top of the 2022 Oscars as they attended to support the film King Richard, which told their family stories and how their father coached these two tennis stars to victory.
These two sporting greats were able to enjoy that evening without being the butt of anybody’s joke, while looking stunning in their pink and ivory pink dresses. It is impressive to see two sporting legends attend such a grand and exclusive award ceremonies. As strong female role models, it is important to see them in mainstream media, such as the Oscars.
A Credit to the Latina Community
In 1962 Rita Moreno was the first Latina to be awarded an Oscar. On Sunday, Ariana Debose became the second.
She played the same role as Ms. Moreno in West Side Story. Debose made a very powerful acceptance speech as she stated ‘in this weary world that we live in, dreams do come true.’
This highlights that, no matter what, your dreams can become accomplishments. Debose went on to thank Moreno for being her ‘divine inspiration’ and for paving the way for the Latina acting community.
The Silent Applause
CODA, which is a deaf family drama, won the Best Picture Oscar.
Something of note here that touched everybody’s hearts and showed how the Oscars have strived for more inclusivity, was the silent applause that followed.
This is where people raise their hands in the air instead of clapping them together, and has become a universal gesture to show appreciation and support for the deaf community. As CODA had a largely deaf cast, it showed everybody’s appreciation for their work and their commitment that went in to winning the Oscar.
Inclusivity
The Oscars have been scrutinised for their lack of representation and diversity among both winners and guests and, of course, more work needs to be done.
However, a win of noteworthy importance is to highlight that the 2022 ceremony was the first time that the best director went to a woman in two consecutive years.
In 2021 Chloe Zao won best director for Nomadland, and now Jane Campion is victorious for The Power of the Dog. The best director going to women two years in a row, sheds light on the impact and importance that women have in the professional acting and directing field.