“When I stumbled over a few words, Gaga, who was at my side, didn’t miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see,” Minnelli writes in her forthcoming memoir.

Liza Minnelli shades Lady Gaga and the Academy over Oscars wheelchair incident: ‘I was heartbroken’

"When I stumbled over a few words, Gaga, who was at my side, didn't miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see," Minnelli writes in her forthcoming memoir.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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February 20, 2026 5:15 p.m. ET

Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli at the 2022 Oscars in Los Angeles on March 27, 2022. Credit:

Neilson Barnard/Getty

- Liza Minnelli says she was "inexplicably ordered" to sit in a wheelchair when she presented Best Picture at the 2022 Oscars.

- The *Cabaret* star also says that her co-presenter, Lady Gaga, "insisted" that she use the wheelchair.

- Minnelli also claims that Gaga "didn't miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see" after she stumbled over a line on stage.

Liza Minnelli is speaking out about her buzzy appearance at the 2022 Academy Awards — and she doesn't sound happy with Lady Gaga or the Academy.

The *Cabaret* actress reflects on presenting the Oscar for Best Picture alongside the "Bad Romance" singer in her upcoming memoir *Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!*, alleging that she was forced to sit in a wheelchair when she took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

"I was inexplicably ordered — not even asked — to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all," Minnelli claims in an excerpt published by PEOPLE, noting that she originally planned to sit in a director's chair during the segment. "I was told it was because of my age, and for safety reasons, because I might slip out of the director's chair, which was bulls---. I will not be treated this way, I said."

Minnelli also claims that Gaga demanded that she use a wheelchair. "My co-presenter insisted she would not go on stage with me unless I was in a wheelchair," she says. "I was heartbroken."

A representative for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declined **'s request for comment. Representatives for Gaga did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

Liza Minnelli in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 2024.

John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Minnelli says that sitting in the wheelchair impacted her ability to say her lines on stage. "I was much lower down than I would have been in the director's chair," she says. "Now I couldn't easily read the teleprompter above me. How would you feel if you were wheeled out, against your will, to perform in front of a live audience, and unable to see clearly?"

The *New York, New York* actress hinted that she found Gaga's next move somewhat performative and condescending. "So when I stumbled over a few words, Gaga, who was at my side, didn't miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see," she says. "'I got you,' she said, leaning down over me."

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Minnelli says that Gaga visited her dressing room after the conclusion of the ceremony and asked her if she was okay.

"I looked at her and said simply, 'I'm a big fan,'" the actress remembers. "I learned this lesson years ago from Mama and Papa. At a moment of high stress, you stay gracious," she said, referring to her famous parents, *Wizard of Oz *star Judy Garland and *Gigi* director Vincente Minnelli.

The 2022 Best Picture presentation — which occurred shortly after Will Smith infamously slapped Chris Rock on stage — began with a standing ovation for Minnelli, prompting Gaga to say, "Do you see that? The public, they love you!"

Minnelli then responded, "Oh, yes, but now what am I— I don't understand," as she sorted her cue cards.

"I got it. Good evening. You know how I love working with legends, and I'm honored to present the final award of the evening with a true show business legend," Gaga said. "She's celebrating the 50th anniversary of *Cabaret*. Oscar-award-winning actress Liza Minnelli."

Minnelli then cued up the 10 Best Picture nominations, though she stumbled over a few words. "Throughout the night, we've seen highlights of the 10 best nomina—you know, nominated for Best Picture award. Now we're gonna show you something else, and then, we're going to tell you who it is."

As Minnelli said those last few words, Gaga interjected, "We're going to see who the nominees are right now."

"Oh, good!" Minnelli responded, laughing.

Gaga then leaned over and said, "I got you."

Liza Minnelli at the 2022 Oscars in Los Angeles on March 27, 2022.

Neilson Barnard/Getty

After the 10 nominees were announced in a prerecorded clip, Gaga said, "Alright Liza," and began singing "Willkommen" from *Cabaret*.

"Hi everybody! I'm so happy to be here, especially with you," Minnelli responded. "I'm your biggest fan."

"Are you excited to announce Best Picture? And the Oscar goes to…" Gaga said.

Minnelli then announced the winner: "*Coda*."

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Shortly after the ceremony, PEOPLE reported that Minnelli's publicist said that "Lady Gaga requested that Liza present the award with her,

Gaga previously invited Minnelli to one of her 2012 concerts at Madison Square Garden, which was recorded for an HBO documentary special. The "Judas" singer shouted out Minnelli in the audience during her performance, noting that the *Sterile Cuckoo* actress was a huge inspiration as a performer.

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