The Oscars

The good, the bad, and the ugly

By: Olivia Hines

The 94th Academy Awards left many viewers delighted, speechless, or confused. Here’s a recap of the Oscars’ best and worst moments.

To start on a positive note, the award show featured immense visibility for minorities. Troy Kotsur became the second deaf person to win an Oscar after winning Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Frank Rossi in the 2021 Best Picture film “CODA” (Child of Deaf Adults).

The ceremony provided welcome, and overdue, representation for Latinos. Ariana Debose won Best Supporting Actress for her rendition of Anita in Steven Speilberg’s “West Side Story.” She became the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award, providing a powerful moment of visibility.

Unfortunately, several inappropriate moments also occurred. Most notable was Regina Hall’s elaborate COVID joke. Hall asked several actors to come backstage for emergency COVID testing, making lewd, sexual comments. She finished her skit by groping presenters Jason Mamoa and Josh Brolin for “protocol.” Some found the exchange hilarious, while others found the double standard disgusting. 

The ceremony’s ugliest moment was “The Slap.” Chris Rock was slapped by Will Smith after a G.I. Jane bald joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. For context, Pinkett Smith openly struggles with alopecia areata, a hair loss condition. Afterward, Smith won Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams in “King Richard” and apologized for his behavior. Rock did not press charges. The Academy condemned Smith’s actions and has launched a formal review.

The Oscars was a mess exacerbated by “The Slap.” Viewers and attendees became divided over support for Rock and Smith. Comedians were infuriated by how the Academy handled the situation. A slew of theories and rumors have arisen from social media. Everyone’s asking: Why did it happen? And what happens next?