Liza Minnelli has reflected on her appearance at the 2022 Academy Awards, stating that she was forced to use a wheelchair. She described feeling heartbroken over the situation. The comments come years after the event.
Liza Minnelli, the iconic performer known for her role in Cabaret, appeared at the 2022 Oscars to present the best picture award alongside Lady Gaga. In a recent reflection published by The Hollywood Reporter on February 20, 2026, Minnelli revealed that she was "ordered" to sit in a wheelchair during the ceremony, despite her reluctance.
"I was heartbroken," Minnelli said, according to the report. She claims producers insisted on the wheelchair for the event, which took place on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Minnelli, who has faced health challenges including mobility issues following a 2021 hospitalization, had hoped to walk onstage unaided.
The 2022 Oscars presentation drew attention for its nostalgic nod to Chicago, with Minnelli and Gaga recreating a scene. However, Minnelli's account highlights behind-the-scenes pressures on performers with disabilities. No official response from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been reported in the sources.
This reflection adds context to Minnelli's appearance, which was celebrated by fans but now carries a personal layer of disappointment for the 78-year-old star.
