Liza Minnelli Claims Oscars Forced Her to Use Wheelchair With Lady Gaga

Variety

by Zack Sharf

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Liza Minnelli has accused the Oscars of forcing her to use a wheelchair against her will during the 2022 ceremony while presenting the Best Picture award with Lady Gaga. In her new memoir, *Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!*, Minnelli reveals that she was scheduled to sit in a director’s chair for better visibility but was instead ordered to use a wheelchair at the last minute. She claims this decision was made without her consent and was told it was due to her age and safety concerns, which she dismissed as “bullshit.” The move left her disoriented and unable to clearly see the teleprompter, leading to her stumbling over her words on stage. Lady Gaga notably comforted Minnelli during the moment, telling her, “I got you.” Minnelli details how the wheelchair placement made her feel vulnerable and less able to perform confidently. She had anticipated being in a higher director’s chair, which would have allowed her to see the teleprompter better. Instead, she was forced into a lower position, making it difficult for her to read her lines smoothly. Despite her distress, Minnelli highlights Gaga’s kindness, noting that the singer sought her out backstage afterward and asked if she was okay. Minnelli reflects on the irony of presenting *CODA* as Best Picture, calling it a “coda” for herself—a moment when her truth could be told. The memoir also touches on the broader issue of age discrimination in Hollywood, with Minnelli emphasizing that she should not have been treated differently just because of her age. She acknowledges the positive attention Gaga received for her support but questions whether the same spotlight would have followed if the tables were turned. The incident underscores the challenges older performers face in the industry and raises questions about how the Academy handles such situations in the future. Minnelli’s story adds depth to ongoing conversations about inclusion, respect, and the treatment of aging figures in entertainment.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026