Liza Minnelli Reflects on 2022 Oscars Incident in New Memoir

In her upcoming memoir, *Kids, Wait Till You Hear This*, Liza Minnelli recounts a distressing experience at the 2022 Oscars, where she presented the Best Picture award alongside Lady Gaga. Minnelli, who was 79 at the time and in a wheelchair, claims that she was ordered to sit in the wheelchair rather than a director's chair, which she believed would have allowed her to see the teleprompter more clearly. This last-minute decision, she alleges, was made by the Academy for safety reasons related to her age, a choice she describes as "bullshit." Minnelli expressed her heartbreak over being treated in this manner, stating, “I will not be treated this way, I said.”

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During the presentation, Minnelli appeared disoriented and stumbled over her words, prompting Gaga to comfort her by saying, “I got you.” This moment, which garnered significant attention, showcased Gaga's support as she leaned down to reassure Minnelli. In her memoir, Minnelli reflects on the incident, noting that she felt “much lower down” in the wheelchair and struggled to read the teleprompter. She questioned how anyone would feel being “wheeled out, against your will, to perform in front of a live audience, and unable to see clearly.”

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Following the Oscars, Lady Gaga visited Minnelli's dressing room to check on her well-being. Minnelli recalls telling Gaga, “I’m a big fan,” highlighting a moment of grace amidst the stress. She credits Gaga for her kindness during the presentation, referring to her as the “kindhearted hero for all the world to see.”

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Minnelli's memoir not only recounts this incident but also delves into her life, including her experiences as Judy Garland's daughter, her struggles with addiction, and her journey toward sobriety. The memoir is co-authored by Michael Feinstein, who has been a close friend and collaborator for many years. Minnelli describes the writing of her memoir as her “coda,” a final chapter that encapsulates her truth.

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While the Academy has not publicly commented on Minnelli's claims regarding the wheelchair decision, the incident has sparked discussions about how aging performers are treated in high-profile events. Minnelli's candid reflections in her memoir may prompt further scrutiny of the Academy's practices and the treatment of older artists in the entertainment industry.

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*Kids, Wait Till You Hear This* is set to be released on March 10, 2026, and is already available for pre-order. The memoir promises to offer a deeper insight into Minnelli's life and career, alongside her thoughts on the Oscars incident that has resonated with many fans and observers alike.

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