The 2022 Academy Awards featured a moment of apparent support between Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli that quickly went viral, lauded by many as a touching display of respect. However, a new account from Minnelli herself, set to be published in her upcoming memoir Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, paints a far less heartwarming picture, alleging she was pressured by Academy officials to appear in a wheelchair and felt the incident was handled in a way that diminished her agency. The revelation, first reported by Variety, has sparked a new wave of discussion surrounding the event and the treatment of veteran performers.
Minnelli, 79, claims she was “inexplicably ordered—not even asked—to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all” during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony on March 27, 2022. According to an excerpt from her memoir, she was told the directive was for safety reasons, citing concerns she might “slip out of the director’s chair.” Minnelli vehemently disputes this justification, calling it “bulls—” and stating, “I will not be treated this way.” The incident occurred as Minnelli and Lady Gaga presented the award for Best Picture, with Gaga offering support as Minnelli appeared to struggle with her cue cards.
Credit: ABC
The moment quickly became a talking point, with many praising Lady Gaga’s supportive actions as Minnelli appeared disoriented. Gaga gently reassured Minnelli, saying, “I got you,” and helped guide her through the presentation. However, Minnelli’s account suggests a more complex dynamic. She recalls feeling “heartbroken” and frustrated by the situation, stating that being in the wheelchair placed her lower than she would have been in a director’s chair and made it difficult to read the teleprompter. Minnelli also noted that Gaga had checked in with her before the show after hearing about the wheelchair directive.
A History of Connection
The relationship between Minnelli and Lady Gaga extends beyond this single awards show appearance. Both performers share a connection through Judy Garland, Minnelli’s mother, who famously starred in the original 1954 version of A Star Is Born. Minnelli has previously spoken positively about Gaga’s respect for her mother’s legacy. Despite this, Minnelli’s memoir reveals a sense of resentment towards how the 2022 Oscars moment unfolded, feeling that Gaga’s actions were perceived as heroic while she was left feeling powerless.
The Academy’s Response
As of Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has not issued a public statement addressing Minnelli’s allegations. The lack of immediate response comes as the organization prepares for the upcoming 2026 Oscars ceremony on March 15th, streaming on ABC and Hulu. It remains to be seen whether the controversy will impact the show or prompt a response from the Academy regarding its handling of performer accommodations and on-stage presentations.
Minnelli, despite her frustration, acknowledges her upbringing instilled in her a sense of grace under pressure. She writes that, as her parents Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli taught her, one must remain gracious even in stressful situations. However, this doesn’t diminish her feeling of being “wheeled out, against my will, to perform in front of a live audience, and unable to see clearly.”
The release of this excerpt from Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! has ignited a conversation about the treatment of older performers in the entertainment industry and the importance of agency and respect. The full memoir is scheduled for release on March 10th, promising further insights into Minnelli’s life and career. The incident at the 2022 Oscars, once viewed by many as a heartwarming moment, is now being re-examined through a more critical lens, raising questions about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Hollywood’s biggest night.
The Academy Awards are less than a month away, and the producers are likely carefully considering how to address these allegations. The 2026 Oscars are scheduled to air on ABC and stream on Hulu on March 15th, and the event will undoubtedly be watched with renewed scrutiny following Minnelli’s revelations.
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