Liza Minnelli shades Lady Gaga and Academy over Oscars wheelchair incident

Entertainment Weekly • February 20, 2026 • entertainment

Key Points:

Liza Minnelli alleges in her memoir that she was forced to use a wheelchair during her 2022 Oscars appearance, claiming it was ordered due to her age and safety concerns, but she disputes this reasoning.
Minnelli states that Lady Gaga insisted she be in a wheelchair to present the Best Picture award together, which Minnelli found hurtful and limiting to her performance.
The wheelchair affected Minnelli's ability to read the teleprompter, leading to difficulties delivering her lines, while Gaga appeared to take on a protective role on stage.
Despite the tension, Minnelli recounts a gracious interaction with Gaga backstage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in stressful moments.
The 2022 Oscars segment featuring