Award season has officially started and last night’s Oscars were definitely one to remember. From Megan Thee Stallion becoming the first female rapper to perform at the 2022 Oscars, to a performance from Queen Bey herself, and even a little scuffle taking place; we’d have to say this year’s Oscars were kind of lit.
Beyoncé’s “Be Alive” Performance
The night kicked off with a stunning performance from Beyoncé, featuring daughter Blue Ivy, on the very same Compton tennis courts Venus and Serena trained on. The performance featured a neon yellow tennis balled-themed color palette, with dancers wearing beaded hairstyles reminiscent of the beaded braids Venus and Serena Williams wore in their youth. Queen Bey performed her original song “Be Alive” from the 2021 film King Richard. King Richard follows the real lives of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams portrayed by Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney. The film features Oscar-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis and first-time Oscar winner Will Smith.
Megan Thee Stallion “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” Verse
Earlier in the night, Luis Fonsi hinted at performing a special version of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The performance marked Megan Thee Stallion as the first female rapper to perform at the Oscars. Megan’s verse included lyrics shouting out Zendaya and Megan’s hopes of adding an Academy Award to her own trophy case in the future.
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith versus Chris Rock
The night took a shocking turn after comedian Chris Rock made a joke at the expense of Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock said, “Jada, I love ya. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see it.” For context, G.I. Jane is a 1997 film where leading lady, Demi Moore has a buzz cut. Pinkett Smith has spoken openly about having alopecia, a hair-loss condition, and recently took to donning a bald head.
Shortly after the joke was delivered, Smith stormed onto the stage and struck Rock across the face before walking back to his seat. Stunned, Rock simply replied, “Wow. Will Smith just smacked the sh*t out of me.” From the audience, Smith then shouted at Rock to “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth!” Despite social media outcry for Will Smith’s arrest (some users going as far as tagging the LAPD on Twitter), Chris Rock has declined the pursuit of charges.
Will Smith Wins His First-Ever Oscar
Will Smith ended the night on a good note by receiving his first-ever Oscar. After almost four decades of acting, the Academy finally recognized Will’s talents. Smith won the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of real-life coach Richard Williams, in the 2021 film King Richard. Smith was emotional during his acceptance speech even drawing out comparisons between him and Richard Williams.
“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world. I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people. Just like they said, I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things”.
Will Smith, Oscars 2022
Smith went on to apologize for his previous behavior in the night saying “I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees”. Along with sharing some advice Denzel Washington had given Smith after the altercation. “Denzel said to me a few minutes ago, at your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,” Smith said.
What was your favorite moment from the 2022 Oscars? Let us know in the comments.
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