The Most Awkward Moments From The 2022 Academy Awards

Jordan Claes
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Getty Images | Getty Images | ROBYN BECK

The stars were out in full force for the 94th annual Academy Awards. It was an evening defined by dizzying highs and terrifyingly low moments, some of which will likely never be forgotten.

So in order to pay homage to some of the more infamous moments from this year's Oscar night, here are all of the most awkward moments from the 2022 Academy Awards celebration.

Amy Schumer calls Kirsten Dunst a "seat filler."

Kirsten Dunst is many things but a "seat-filler" she is not. The only person who seemed more upset than Kirsten by Amy's rude joke was her husband, the Oscar-nominated Jesse Plemmons.

Mila Kunis' vague show of support for the people of Ukraine.

Mila and her husband Ashton Kutcher have been vocal advocates against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That's why it seemed so peculiar that she could give an entire speech about it without ever once mentioning the word "Ukraine."

When Lady Gaga decided to attend Elton John's viewing party.

Lady Gaga in 'House of Gucci'.
Giphy | House of Gucci

It was clear that Lady Gaga felt snubbed after failing to receive a nomination for her role in House of Gucci. So instead of placating the public with false sincerity, Gaga chose to attend Elton's viewing party instead of arriving on time for the Oscars.

The offkey performance of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from the movie 'Encanto'.

I'm not sure whether it was a problem with the audio equipment or whether or not certain musicians received the incorrect sheet music, but something about the performance of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" just seemed off.

When Amy Schumer poked fun at J.K. Simmons.

JK Simmons laughing.
Giphy | The Academy Awards

In her monologue, Regina Hall spoke about how hard COVID had been on everyone for the past two years. It was at this moment that Amy Schumer interrupted, pointed to J.K. Simmons, and said "I mean, just look at Timothée Chalamet."

Riz Ahmed won an Oscar...and nobody knew about it.

I'm not sure whose decision it was to announce certain Oscar winners ahead of time/off-camera, but here's to hoping that this year was the first and last time we see it done again.

Anthony Hopkins getting ready for the Oscars.

I have a deep and profound respect and admiration for Anthony Hopkins. But his behavior on social media is nothing if not creepy. Case and point, his pre-Oscar celebration dance had serious Hannibal Lecter vibes.

The decision to turn the In Memoriam segment into a song-and-dance number.

I understand wanting to make the In Memoriam segment a little less depressing than it had been in previous years. That said, turning it into a Tony-worthy stage production completely cheapened the sentiment.

When Ryusuke Hamaguchi's speech was cut short.

It felt as if Ryusuke Hamaguchi had no sooner begun his speech before he started getting played off by the orchestra. It kind of made all the talk about inclusivity at the Oscars feel like lip service.

Regina Hall performing COVID tests.

Millions of people all over the world lost their lives and lost loved ones over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regina Hall's COVID tests made it seem as if the Academy was making a mockery of the whole thing.

Jessica Chastain gives Amy Schumer the side-eye after saying "I'm back!"

Amy Schumer hosting Oscar night.
Giphy | The Academy Awards

The camera panned only for a moment but it was more than enough to catch a glimpse of the clearly frustrated Jessica Chastain giving her host an all too telling look of disapproval.

Tiffany Hadish and Simu Liu's flirting.

It felt as if parts of this were scripted, but then at a certain point, Tiffany and Simu just decided to go rogue. On behalf of the millions of television viewers watching at home — get a room.

Kristen Stewart appeared to shake her head after losing "Best Actress" to Jessica Chastain.

Kristen Stewart shaking head.
Giphy

Nobody likes to lose, but part of being at awards shows means practicing your gracious loser face. Just ask Joey Tribbianni from Friends — he'll tell you all about it.

Will Smith's acceptance speech after winning "Best Actor."

Will Smith acceptance speech Oscars.
youtube | The Independent

To say that Will Smith seemed distraught doesn't even begin to encapsulate what took place on Oscar night. His speech was erratic and Smith was so emotional that it appeared as if he was in the thralls of a full-on breakdown.

When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock across the face.

Chris Rock made a distasteful joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith's bald head. Sensing that his life partner's feelings were hurt, Smith rushed the stage and slapped Rock hard across the face — screaming "Keep my wife's name out your [expletive] mouth!"