On 27 March 2022, Oscar Sunday, Hollywood’s most prestigious actors, filmmakers and entertainment personnel made their way into the Dolby Theater for a night of recognizing 2021’s best films. Although many celebrities made their appearances at the Pre-Oscars red carpet, the two most notable mentions were Lily James wearing a beautiful light pink Versace dress, and Jessica Chastain sporting an Ombre Gucci dress. Both women looked stunning from head to toe, and prepared everyone for a night of excitement.

The night began with Ariana DeBose accepting the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her character “Anita” in “West Side Story". Sebastian Yatra was the first artist to perform, opening with “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto”, followed by Reba McEntire singing “Somehow You Do”, which was scored in the movie “Four Good Days”. Billie Eilish also sang “No Time to Die” from the 007 film of the same name . Eilish’s song was awarded Best Original Song.

After many musical performances, commercial breaks and prestigious awards, Best Picture of 2021 was announced. To no one’s surprise, “CODA” was the winner. “CODA” is the story of Rachel, a high school student, and the only hearing member of a deaf family, who wants to pursue her dreams of being a singer despite her impoverished environment. “CODA” took home two other awards for Best Adaptive Screenplay and Troy Kotsur for Best Supporting Actor.

Although there were many heartfelt speeches and tender moments throughout the show, the most memorable was Will Smith smacking Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s newly shaved head, a choice she made after she began losing her hair to alopecia. Smith did not find this funny, and in reaction walked on stage, smacked Chris Rock across the face, and yelled explicit words in the middle of the show. Will Smith ended up winning Best Actor in a Leading Role, to which he took as an opportunity to justify him being a “‘defender of [his] family’”. Will Smith took home two awards: Best Actor, and Most Awkward Live Television Interaction since the 2009 VMAs.

While there were many acceptance speeches given, none compared to Troy Kotsur’s speech after winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in “CODA”. Kotsur paid tribute to his paralyzed father by saying “I will always love you. You are my hero” in American Sign Language. His heartfelt words about his journey as a deaf actor touched the crowd, and the deaf, disabled and hearing community in the theater all came together by signing “congratulations” when Kotsur accepted his award.