The 95th Academy Awards had us laughing and crying, typically star-struck, but most importantly, it had us relishing some of the most iconic LGBTQ celeb moments of 2023. Between the queer representation in the films and on the red carpet, our community showed up and showed out all night. Here are the top 10 queer moments from last night’s Oscars that we wish we could relive:
Everything Everywhere All At Once Won Seven Oscars
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There is no movie like Everything Everywhere All At Once (EEAAO) and there never will be one like it again. This movie speaks to the deepest existential corners of the mind and forces you to re-evaluate what it means to be alive. Not only that, Stephanie Hsu’s queer representation in the film shows an acutely accurate experience that millions of queer people have with their more traditional or conservative families. The film won seven Oscars, the most since Slumdog Millionaire, including best picture, director, original screenplay, lead actress, supporting actress, supporting actor, and editing.
“The Daniels” Mentioned Drag In Their Acceptance Speech
At Sunday’s #Oscars, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ co-director Daniel Scheinert called out how the GOP is targeting drag in his acceptance speech for Best Director pic.twitter.com/qJmu6Gpsp7
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) March 13, 2023
The directing duo before EEAAO, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known as The Daniels, won Best Director last night, and they dedicated the award to moms, especially their moms. They also used their time to take a stance against the recent anti-drag bills that are being introduced in state legislation. In Scheinert’s speech, he specifically thanked his mom for not squashing his creativity when he was making disturbing films or dressing in drag because it is “a threat to nobody.” The crowd roared in support.
Cara Delevingne’s Stunning Red Dress
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Cara Delevingne always looks stunning but she took the glam cake in this gorgeous Elie Saab Couture gown. The drama of the shoulder balanced by the fullness of the skirt is giving regal while the super-duper high slit is giving sexysexysexy. And guess what, queer girls– it even has pockets!
Stephanie Hsu performed “This Is A Life” with David Byrne
Stephanie Hsu filled in for Mitski to perform the theme song of EEAAO “This Is A Life” with David Byrne of The Talking Heads and producers Son Lux. She wore an ethereal white gown with floating feathers and perfectly captured the other-worldly feeling of the song. She was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in EEAAO, but the award went to her co-star Jamie Lee Curtis.
Ariana DeBose Does The Thing In A Custom Versace Gown
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Ariana DeBose has made a ton of internet buzz for her rap at the BAFTAS, but last night, her outfit caused the buzz. She was bedazzled from head to toe in silver embellishments laid perfectly along her white Altier Versace gown. Last year, DeBose took home an Oscar for her supporting role as Anita in West Side Story, 60 years after Rita Moreno won the same award for the same role. This win also made her the second Latina ever to win an acting award at the Oscars.
Lady Gaga Performs Stripped Down Version of Her Oscar-Nominated Song “Hold My Hand”
Lady Gaga performs a stripped-down version of “Hold My Hand” at the #Oscars. https://t.co/ndiKiHeOT5 pic.twitter.com/dLlahLTjht
— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023
Lady Gaga showed up in full glam on the champagne carpet, but when it came time for her to perform, her gown was traded in for a t-shirt and ripped jeans, and all of her makeup was removed. The score of the song was stripped away as well, leaving nothing but her powerhouse vocals and a sweet piano accompaniment to deliver the message behind the song.
Hunter Schafer’s White Hot Vanity Fair After Party Look
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Give us a moment while we catch our collective breath. Hunter Schafer showed up to the Vanity Fair After Party ready to break some hearts. This gown is the closing look from the Ann Demeulemeester A/W 2023 debut collection by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and we are having a hard time closing our mouths.
Janelle Monáe’s Vanity Fair After Party
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Janelle Monáe graced the champagne carpet in a custom Vera Wang two-piece gown, but their look at the Vanity Fair After Party is what had us doing double takes. They “float”-ed into the party with gorgeous sheer embellishments, sexy hip cutouts, and a gorgeous headpiece to match.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Looking Pretty In Pink at the Vanity Fair After Party
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Michaela Jaé Rodriguez looked absolutely gorgeous in her sexy-yet-sweet pink gown at the Vanity Fair After Party. The straps on the top mixed with the pleats of the skirt give it such a playful but seductive energy. And the color? To die for!
Cardi B Made Us Blush
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Bicon Cardi B knows how to turn a look, and this is no different! The shape of the dress fits her perfectly, but the addition of the face scarf and train elevates the look to new heights. The outfit in combination with the hair is giving us a modern take on Old Hollywood Glam, and we are so here for it.
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