Beyond the slap: Five Talking Points From The Oscars 2022

With due respect to a historic best picture win for “CODA,” only one talking point dominated Sunday’s Oscars — Will Smith striking Chris Rock.

That moment seems certain to launch endless memes, but here are five other talking points from the ceremony:

– Hosts return –
The first Oscars with hosts since 2018 had a trio of women helming the show — Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall — who wasted no time compensating for recent humourless years.

– Spotlight on classic movies –
Oscars producers had promised to highlight not just this year’s nominated films, but classic movies of the past.

These included a segment on the 50th anniversary of “The Godfather” and other classics.

The first Oscars with hosts since 2018 had a trio of women helming the show — Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall — who wasted no time compensating for recent humourless years.
Another innovation intended to lure back viewers to the Oscars was two prizes voted on by the public via Twitter, including a “fan favourite” film.

If producers had hoped last year’s smash hit “Spider-Man: No Way Home” would win, they were left disappointed.

Zack Snyder’s cult following ensured he won for “Army of the Dead,” and also took the second “Oscars cheer moment” prize for a sequence from a scene in his re-cut version of superhero flick “Justice League.”

– Branagh finally wins –
His childhood-inspired “Belfast” did not win best picture, but Kenneth Branagh finally won his first Oscar in eight nominations — across a record seven categories.

– Liza Minnelli –
One of the night’s more touching moments came at its finale, as Lady Gaga accompanied Liza Minnelli, in a wheelchair, to announce the best picture winner.

The 76-year-old Minnelli — who won best actress for “Cabaret!”, which was released 50 years ago — exclaimed: “Oh that’s so exciting!”

AFP