Liza Minnelli Claims Oscars Ordered Her Use a Wheelchair to Present

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Liza at the Oscars was a very interesting experience for Liza Minnelli. 

In her new memoir, Kids, Wait Til You Hear This, the celebrated actress shares that she was unexpectedly asked to use a wheelchair when presenting the Best Picture award at the 2022 Oscars alongside Lady Gaga. She had initially anticipated being seated comfortably in a director’s chair.

In an excerpt from her book published by People on February 20th, she explained that she was unexpectedly told she had to use a wheelchair or not participate at all. She was informed this was due to her age and for safety reasons – supposedly, she might fall out of her director’s chair – which she found insulting. She protested, stating she wouldn’t accept such treatment. Her co-presenter then demanded she be in a wheelchair if they were both going to appear on stage.

The 79-year-old actress said she was very upset because the wheelchair positioned her lower than she would have been in a director’s chair, making it hard to read the teleprompter and causing her to misread the opening lines.

She described how upsetting it would be to be unexpectedly brought on stage to perform in front of a crowd while struggling to see. When she tripped over her words, Lady Gaga, who was right there with her, immediately stepped in to help, appearing supportive and heroic. Gaga leaned in and reassuringly said, ‘I got you,’ for everyone to witness.

During the Best Picture announcement, Liza Minnelli received a standing ovation as she came onstage. She tried to read the teleprompter with Lady Gaga, but appeared to have some difficulty.

As she stumbled over the words, Gaga leaned over her and gently assured her, “I got you.”

And that wasn’t the only way the “Poker Face” singer showed her support. 

In her upcoming memoir, releasing on March 10th, Liza recounts how Lady Gaga checked on her after learning she was upset, going directly to her dressing room to ask if she was alright.

Liza recalled telling the woman, ‘I’m a big fan.’ She explained that her parents had taught her years before to always be polite, even when things are difficult or stressful.

Looking back, Liza Minnelli—daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli and a star herself, known for Cabaret—thought it was perfect that CODA won Best Picture that year.

Liza shared that she found the title particularly meaningful. She saw writing her life story as a final, honest statement – a beautiful conclusion. She believes there’s always hope and beauty to be found, even in difficult times, if you just know where to search.

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2026-02-21 01:17