The 2022 Academy Awards will be remembered for one defining moment without a doubt (if you watched or have been on social media since, you know the one), but aside from the drama, the ceremony was an iconic one for LGBTQ+ people. There were can’t-miss outfits, an historic win, adorable couples, and political statements we don’t want to be overshadowed by the big headline of the night. Here are 10 queer moments we loved from the 2022 Oscars.
And she did it wearing pants! In her acceptance speech for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for West Side Story, she said, “Imagine this little girl in the backseat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes. You see a queer, openly queer woman of color, an Afro Latina who found her strength and life through art — that’s what I believe we’re here to celebrate. For anyone who’s ever questioned your identity ever, ever, ever, or find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you that there is indeed a place for us.”
It’s no secret we are Jessica Darrow stans after she voiced Luisa in Encanto, which won Best Animated Feature. She had a huge red carpet moment at the Oscars when asked about how Disney had been backing politicians who supported Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Here’s what she had to say:
“Here I am being queer and gorgeous and I’m on the red carpet, and I am very happy to represent fellow gorgeous queer people that consume Disney. We are all here. We are the face of Disney at the end of the day. It’s obviously not right what’s going on, as long as we continue to uplift our voices and make our cases known, and continue to put out the positive, loving authentic energy that consumes all of us; we are the authentic part of all of this. I’m trying to show up for everyone who may see themself in a similar position as me, anyone who feels the same way that I do, and I want to let you know that it’s totally OK to be you. I’m trying my hardest to stay authentically me, Disney has let me do that so far. Sometimes I think maybe I’m kind of like alt-Disney. I’ve got my tattoos and short hair. I keep doing what I want and no one’s said anything end, and I want everyone to keep doing the same thing. I don’t know, ‘F ’em, bro’. Do you. Do you — not ‘F ’em Disney’, I love Disney.”
And then when asked further asked specifically if Disney execs should speak out on the Florida bill, she said, “Obviously. Listen, this is what I have to say about that. GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAYYYYYY, GAYYYYY, GAYYYYYY! And me, so gay. And I love to be gay. I hope that made sense.” Oh, it did. And it was maybe the most epic moment of our year so far.
#Oscars | ‘Encanto’ actress Jessica Darrow: “Here I am being queer and gorgeous, and I’m on the red carpet, and I’m very happy to represent fellow gorgeous queer people” pic.twitter.com/xOddW58dMW
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 27, 2022
Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts sizzled on the red carpet, looking stunning and in love. We can’t get over Nash’s purse that says “wifey for lifey!”
Elliot Page attended the Oscars to present the award for Best Original Screenplay, and he looked dapper in a classic black tux. Fans were excited to hear his deeper voice when he spoke on stage and to see his all-around happy, radiant glow being his authentic self. We love you, Elliot!
Along with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, out comic Wanda Sykes co-hosted the ceremony, opening with, “We’re going to have a great night tonight, and for you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night.” Sykes also walked the red carpet with her wife, Alex, before the ceremony.
Out bi actress Stephanie Beatriz is the lead voice actress (Mirabel Madrigal) in Encanto and cast members including Beatriz and Jessica Darrow (Luisa Madrigal) performed the movie’s hit song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Beatriz also introduced the performance of the movie’s song “Dos Oruguitas” by Sebastián Yatra.
After years of being in the closet, we loved seeing Queen Latifah pose on the red carpet with Eboni Nicols. They looked beautiful!
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Kristen Stewart was nominated last night for Best Actress (though she didn’t take home the prize) and attended with fiancée Dylan Meyer. The two shared a casual kiss on the red carpet, reminding us of how far we’ve come in visibility in recent years. Stewart’s outfit was a departure from the typical ballgowns we see at these shows or even suits, daring to go bare-legged in custom Chanel shorts we adored.
Brittney Griner has been in custody in Russia for nearly two months, with no word about her wellbeing or trial. Ben Proudfoot is the director of The Queen of Basketball, which won the Academy Award for short subject documentary last night. In his acceptance speech he took a moment to say, “President Biden, bring Brittney Griner home.”
Another ally also used their acceptance speech moment to call attention to LGBTQ+ issues when Jessica Chastain used her Best Actress win to say, “We’re faced with discriminatory and bigoted legislation that is sweeping our country, with the only goal of further dividing us.” She continued: “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.”
