What happened at the Oscars last night? Drama, historical wins, and THAT slap

For those wondering what happened at the Oscars last night, we take a look at the most memorable moments from Hollywood's glitziest awards ceremony.

The Oscars 2022 saw a plethora of groundbreaking wins, which saw underrepresented groups come to the front in this year's list of winners.

Alongside plenty of glamour, there was plenty of drama including a physical and verbal altercation which is sure to stand the test of time as one of the Oscars' most controversial moments.

Coda, a film about a deaf fishing family and their hearing daughter won the best picture. The night's most-awarded movie was Dune which won in six categories including production design and cinematography.

So which moments stood out the most from Oscars 2022?

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock

After taking to the stage to present an award, comedian Chris Rock comedian made a joke about Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Making reference to the title character of the film GI Jane, who had a shaved head, he said he was excited for the second installment of the movie.

Jada was clearly not amused and who could blame the star, who opened up about her experience of hair thinning and alopecia in the past.

Will then took to the stage and slapped the shocked-looking host who said, “Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me.” The actor was then seen shouting, "Get my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”

The awkwardness continued when he took to the stage again, but this time for winning best actor for his role in King Richard. Will Smith tearfully apologized in his Oscars acceptance speech, "I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams, but love will make you do crazy things.”

Troy Kotsur becomes the second deaf actor to win an Oscar

Troy Kotsur won best supporting actor for his role in Coda. He's only the second ever deaf actor to win this, following his co-star Marlee Matlin's win back in 1987.

During his acceptance speech, he said, “I really want to thank all of the wonderful deaf theatre stages where I was allowed and given the opportunity to develop my craft as an actor."

He added, in his emotional speech, "This is dedicated to the deaf community, the Coda community, and the disabled community. This is our moment.”

Lady Gaga and Liza Minelli took to the stage together

Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli's emotional Oscars hosting left fans in tears, as the adorable connection between the pair, shone through—as did their style.

Gaga wore a sparkly fitted tuxedo with stunning necklaces and black heels, when she co-presented the best picture award with icon Liza. The Cabaret star looked incredibly chic in all black with accent hot pink sleeves. 

Fans were touched by the kindness and love between the pair. Lady Gaga began, "I’m honored to present the final award of the evening with the true show business legend. She’s celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cabaret. Oscar-winning actress, Liza Minnelli."

When Liza read her lines from the teleprompter, her supportive cohost adorably lent over to the performer and said, 'I got you', to which Liza responded, ‘I know.’

Oscars 2022 sends message of support to Ukraine

Although the ceremony is all about movies, it's also often an opportunity for stars to platform important causes. Undeniably, as people wonder how to help the people of Ukraine, the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis was referenced.

'Proud' Ukrainian Mila Kunis, who has already made a huge donation to her native country, took to the stage to address the audience and those watching at home.

She began, "Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted. Yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it's impossible to not be moved by their resilience." 

The actor added, "One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness."

Although some felt that the Oscars should offer a chance for the Ukrainian president to speak, individuals including one of the night's hosts Wanda Sykes who said, "Hollywood should stay in its lane." She added, “I think he’s very busy right now… Hollywood, we can get a little full of ourselves.”

The Academy added a minute of silence and a call to action for people across the globe to help in any way they possibly can.

Their statement read, "While film is an important avenue to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water and emergency services. Resources are scarce and we collectively as a global community can do more."

Beyoncé's opening performance

The incredible artist Beyoncé received her first Oscar nomination for best original song with Be Alive, from the film King Richard. The film, which tells the story of Venus and Serena Williams' father Richard Williams, is set in Compton where the family grew up.

The singer performed live, not on stage at the awards ceremony, but via video link from Compton.

Ariana DeBose becomes first queer woman of color to win an Oscar

Actor Ariana DeBose won best supporting actress for her role in the West Side Story remake, directed by Stephen Spielberg. Ariana played Anita, the girlfriend of Sharks gang leader Bernardo, and follows the original Anita, Rita Moreno, who also won an Oscar for the role in 1962.

Ariana is the second-ever Latina woman to win an Oscar and also the first-ever queer woman of color to win an Oscar.

As well as thanking Rita for paving the way for her, Ariana also celebrated visibility when she said, “You see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we’re here to celebrate.”

Addressing anyone who, “has ever questioned your identity”, and, “lived in the grey spaces”, she said, referencing the famous West Side Story song, “there is, indeed, a place for us."

The hosts best jokes

When it was revealed three funny women, Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer, and Regina Hall would be hosting, fans knew they were in for a hilarious evening. 

Amy addressed gender equality when she said, “This year the Academy hired three women to host because it’s cheaper to hire than one man.” She also hilariously quipped, “I’m Amy Schumer, or as they know me in Hollywood, ‘Melissa McCarthy said no.'”

Lady Gaga was snubbed at Oscars 2022, for her role in House of Gucci. Taking aim at the role, Wanda said, “There were a lot of snubs this year. Rachel Zegler for West Side Story, Jennifer Hudson for Respect, and Lady Gaga and Jared Leto for House of Random Accents.”

Regina, addressing Judi Dench, sent the crowd wild when she said, “We have an inspirational quote for you. This is from Kim Kardashian. ‘Work harder.’ That’s what we need you to do.”