In a candid and emotional reflection, Liza Minnelli is finally sharing her side of the now-viral moment from the 2022 Academy Awards. That night, the legendary performer appeared alongside pop superstar Lady Gaga to present the award for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
While the moment was widely celebrated for its tenderness, Minnelli now reveals that what viewers saw on stage was far more complicated behind the scenes.
A Standing Ovation — and a Moment of Confusion
At 79, the EGOT-winning icon was seated in a wheelchair as she took the stage, earning a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience. Gaga stood proudly beside her, applauding her longtime idol and artistic inspiration.
As Minnelli shuffled through her cue cards, she appeared momentarily confused and softly asked, “But what am I… I don’t understand.” Without hesitation, Gaga gently reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder and saying, “I got it.” Minnelli responded affectionately, grabbing Gaga’s hand and exclaiming, “Oh my baby!”
The moment quickly went viral, praised by many as a beautiful example of compassion and grace under pressure. In fact, Liza Minnelli praises Lady Gaga’s grace during the tense 2022 Oscars moment, describing how the singer seamlessly stepped in without missing a beat.
When Minnelli struggled briefly while reading from the teleprompter — positioned higher than expected — Gaga leaned closer and softly told her, “I got you,” creating one of the night’s most talked-about exchanges.
What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
However, according to Minnelli, the circumstances surrounding the presentation were deeply upsetting.
In her memoir, Kids, Wait Til You Hear This, she explains that she had originally planned to sit in a director’s chair for the presentation. At the last minute, she says she was instructed — not asked — to use a wheelchair or withdraw from the appearance entirely.
Minnelli recounts feeling blindsided by the decision. She writes that she was told it was due to her age and safety concerns, but she strongly disagreed with the reasoning. Being seated lower than expected made it difficult for her to clearly see the teleprompter, contributing to the brief confusion that unfolded on stage.
The experience left her heartbroken. She later reflected on how disorienting it felt to be wheeled out unexpectedly in front of a live audience while struggling to read clearly.
Grace Under Pressure
Despite the frustration, Minnelli has nothing but admiration for Gaga’s response. She credits the singer with handling the situation with warmth and poise, stepping into the moment like a “kindhearted hero.”
After the ceremony, Gaga reportedly went to Minnelli’s dressing room to check on her well-being. In her memoir, Minnelli recalls telling her simply, “I’m a big fan.”
The legendary performer shared that she learned an important lesson from her parents — including her late mother, Judy Garland — about maintaining composure during high-stress situations. No matter the circumstances, she believes in staying gracious.
A Life of Triumphs and Challenges
Minnelli’s memoir offers much more than this Oscars story. The book explores her extraordinary life in entertainment, from caring for her iconic mother at a young age to navigating decades in the spotlight.
She reflects on her celebrated role in Cabaret, which earned her an Oscar and cemented her place in Hollywood history. The memoir also addresses personal struggles, including battles with addiction, complicated relationships — including her marriage to David Gest — and her journey to sobriety over a decade ago.
Compiled with the help of longtime friend and pianist Michael Feinstein, along with co-authors Josh Getlin and Pulitzer Prize winner Heidi Evans, the memoir presents a raw and honest portrait of a woman who has endured both glittering highs and painful lows.
A Moment That Meant More Than We Knew
What the world saw at the 2022 Oscars was a touching exchange between two generations of performers. What Minnelli experienced was a complicated mix of vulnerability, frustration, and resilience.
Yet through it all, one thing stands out clearly: Liza Minnelli praises Lady Gaga’s grace during the tense 2022 Oscars moment, emphasizing the kindness that transformed an uncomfortable situation into a powerful display of solidarity and respect.
In the end, it wasn’t just an awards show presentation — it was a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, compassion can take center stage.