From ‘Encanto’ Cast Performing to Ariana DeBose Winning Big, These are our Favorite Oscars 2022 Moments

Historically, Hollywood has neglected both representing and awarding Latinx artists. On Sunday night, something felt different. For the first time, there was significant Latinx representation at the Academy Awards. The highlight of the evening was the beloved cast of Disney’s “Encanto” performing the global hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” for the first time. The rendition didn’t end with the cast — they were joined for a special Oscars remix by Megan Thee Stallion, Becky G, and Luis Fonsi.

After “Encanto” was widely released on Disney+ in late December, the music from the soundtrack surged up charts around the world. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” led the pack and reached the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Global 200 charts soon after. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs for the movie, and Disney did not submit “Bruno” for Oscars consideration. When they made the decision to nominate “Dos Oruguitas” on November 1st, they didn’t foresee the future success of “Bruno.” So, without further ado, here are our favorite moments from last night:

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” Rendition is the Main Event

Fortunately, the Academy Awards took notice of the global appeal for “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and invited the cast to perform the song. Usually the honor to perform at the ceremony is limited to Best Original Song nominees. The women of “Encanto,” Carolina Gaitán, Adassa, Stephanie Beatriz, and Diane Guerrero, looked stunning as they strutted around the stage. They were joined by their castmate Mauro Castillo. In a surprise moment, Megan The Stallion popped up to spit a new verse. “Every day all the kids want to hear Bruno / Bruno this, Bruno that / It’s the new ‘Let it Go,'” she fiercely added. Becky G and Luis Fonsi also appeared as special guests to close out the colorful performance.

Sebastián Yatra Performs

In another major Latinx moment at the Oscars, Sebastián Yatra performed “Dos Oruguitas.” To match the song’s loving lyrics, the Colombian heartthrob wore a tuxedo with a butterfly design. There were moments when his hands were visibly shaking — those nerves made his heartfelt performance all the more endearing. While Yatra was singing the song in Spanish, the awards were criticized for the closed captions that read: [Singing Foreign Language]. The Oscar for Best Original Song ended up going to Billie Eilish’s “No Time To Die” from the James Bond film of the same name.

Ariana DeBose Wins Big

Out of its three nominations, “Encanto” won the award for Best Animated Feature Film. When the producers went up to accept the award, there was a bit of an awkward moment when the DJ played Marc Antony’s “Vivir Mi Vida.” For being a movie proudly about Colombia, the song by the Nuyorican icon seemed out of place. “West Side Story” star Ariana DeBose made history with her Oscar win. In taking home the Best Supporting Actress award, she became the first Afro-Latina and first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting. DeBose also became the second Latina to win an Oscar for acting after Rita Moreno did so 60 years ago for the same role of Anita.

Rachel Zegler Gets Her Invite – And More

Despite “West Side Story” garnering seven Oscar nominations, the movie’s other star, Rachel Zegler, was initially not invited to the awards. Last week in an Instagram comment, she let one of her fans know that an invite wasn’t extended to her. That decision was quickly reversed and Zegler presented an award last night with Jacob Elordi. “And I never thought that I would be here six days ago,” she said in a bit of shade about the situation. “Dreams really can come true. Pretty fast too.”

Beyoncé Opens the Night

Beyoncé opened the Academy Awards with a powerful performance of “Be Alive” from “King Richard.” She was also nominated for Best Original Song. Unfortunately, the most viral moment from last night was when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss. Even though Jada Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggle with the autoimmune disorder alopecia, Rock compared her to “G.I. Jane.” Will Smith later apologized for the moment while accepting the award for Best Actor for his role in “King Richard.”