Liza Minnelli Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

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It’s Liza Minnelli with a new award.

On April 18, during the finale episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17, the acclaimed EGOT winner graced a seldom public event to receive the show’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Giving Us. This annual award, inaugurated in 2023, celebrates individuals who have significantly influenced the realm of drag and fashion.

Liza gracefully debuted on a majestic throne as her 1972 hit “Ring Them Bells” filled the air. Dressed in a sparkling black top and matching pants, she added a touch of style with a black hat, loafers, and gold bracelets.

Following the cheers from the competitors, the 79-year-old expressed affectionately, “I adore you all!” or simply, “You’ve got my heart!

After RuPaul joked about spending six hours on his outfit, Liza replied, “Oh, it takes seven hours for me too, I’m older than you.

The artist, who was the child of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, later divulged unique recollections of their childhood, such as peeking at the goings-on at MGM Studios.

She mentioned that everyone would hurry to watch whatever her mother was up to, with her father, in particular, as he was known for performing magic tricks. And let me tell you, he was exceptional at it.

Additionally, Liza expressed gratitude towards RuPaul and the show for acknowledging her efforts, saying, “Besides that, all I can think of is, without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. You shaped me.

RuPaul responded, “Well, you made us, actually.”

Given that these well-known Hollywood figures have triumphed before, it seems quite appropriate that influential figure Liza is now among them too.

Following the triumph of my Off-Broadway revival of “Best Foot Forward” in 1963, I embarked on a solo touring journey much like my mother, and later found myself tasting success in films such as “The Sterile Cuckoo” from 1969 and “Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon” in 1970. As the daughter of a film director, this path seemed to be a natural progression for me.

Nevertheless, it was the 1972 movie “Cabaret” that truly established her fame and made her a common name in homes everywhere. In this film, she earned her first Academy Award, thanks to her captivating performance as the lively Sally Bowles.

Liza stated to BBC’s Nationwide in 1973, “I was incredibly happy to be part of this movie.” She felt that Bob Fosse had innovated the art of musical filmmaking. It wasn’t like any other film in a specific way. There was music in it, but unlike traditional musicals, there were no sudden song-and-dance numbers on buses or similar scenarios.

Approximately one year after, Cassandra earned the title and, as is customary in drag racing, she shared insightful yet witty advice with a hint of humor.

Her suggestion was to proceed with caution, stay authentic to who you are,” she expressed during the April 2024 episode. “Also, consider expressing yourself freely by exposing more of your personality.

Given that these well-known Hollywood figures have triumphed before, it’s quite appropriate for power player Liza to now be among them too.

Following the successful Off-Broadway revival of “Best Foot Forward” in 1963, Liza—daughter of a film director—embarked on a solo touring career similar to her mother’s and went on to secure on-screen success with films such as “The Sterile Cuckoo” from 1969 and “Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon” in 1970.

Nevertheless, it was the 1972 movie “Cabaret” that truly established her fame as a well-known figure. In this film, she clinched her initial Academy Award, thanks to her captivating performance as the lively Sally Bowles.

In an interview with BBC’s Nationwide in 1973, Liza said, “I was really happy to be part of this movie.” She added, “Bob Fosse created a unique style for musical films. It wasn’t like any other film; it had music, but no one broke into song on a bus or anything like that.

Liza’s love doesn’t just extend to her craft, but to the queer community as well.

In a letter for Billboard during Pride Month in 2017, she expressed her gratitude towards the remarkable LGBTQ community who have consistently stood by and comprehended her in a way that is extraordinary and rare. From my earliest recollections, I recognized that certain individuals were unique, particularly when I encountered numerous creative people associated with films produced by my parents.

She noted that today she honors the extraordinary individuals, both past and present, who have played a crucial role in enabling her presence here and empowering her to be uniquely herself. Their lives have left an indelible impact on hers, shaping her significantly. In their absence, her life would lack meaning and substance.

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2025-04-19 04:47