Liza Minnelli surprised the audience at the 2022 Oscars Sunday night. The legendary stage and screen star appeared at the 94th annual Academy Awards alongside Lady Gaga, who was pegged to present the award for Best Picture.
Minnelli, who was dressed in an all-black look, that featured just a pop of pink, sat in a wheelchair as she helped Gaga, who brought the glam in a fitted tuxedo, read out the nominees.
Lady Gaga proved a supportive co-presenter to Liza Minnelli when the pair handed the 94th annual Academy Awards‘ biggest prize on Sunday.
Gaga, 36, accompanied Minnelli, 76, on stage as the Cabaret star used a wheelchair. The crowd cheered, prompting the House of Gucci actress to grasp Minnelli’s hand and say, “Do you see that? The public, they love you.”
The Chromatica singer noted that Minnelli was “celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cabaret,” and filled in when Minnelli seemed to falter during her introductory remarks for the Best Picture category.
After the nominees for Best Picture were announced, Liza said, “Hi everybody! I’m so happy to be here, especially with you. I’m your biggest fan.”
“You know how I love working with legends,” said Gaga. “And I’m honored to present the final award of the evening with a true show business legend.”
In fact, according to Minnelll’s former publicist Scott Gorenstein, “Lady Gaga requested that Liza present the award with her.”
While Minnelli, who has struggled with several illnesses over the years, including viral encephalitis, had trouble announcing the winner, Gaga was by her side to help, sweetly telling the Cabaret performer, “I got you,” before presenting the Best Picture win to CODA.
CODA, which is an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults, also won Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur and Best Adapted Screenplay for director Siân Heder.
In their acceptance speech, the producers thanked the Academy for “recognizing a movie of love and family in this difficult time.”
In January, ET spoke to Minnelli and her sister, Lorna Luft, about their late mother, Judy Garland, and the legacy she left behind.
