The Academy Awards is the most glamorous night of the year for actors and crews in Hollywood. This year “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” dominated the award show with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan making historic and emotional speeches. Brendan Frasier also won Best Actor for his moving performance and it was sure to be a night to remember.
And for Lady Gaga fans, it was just as memorable.
Traditionally, Oscar-nominated artists sing at the show and this year Lady Gaga was nominated for “Hold My Hand”, a collaboration with Bloodpop for “Top Gun: Maverick.” Gaga was originally supposed to skip the big night due to her current schedule and filming demands.
During a press conference, Glen Weiss, one of the main producers of the show said, "We have a great relationship with Lady Gaga and her camp. Gaga was in the middle of filming the latest installment of the ‘Joker’ and said that she didn’t feel she ‘could deliver a performance at the caliber she is used to’”.
(Photo Credit: Valerie Macon via Getty Images)
However, Gaga still managed to turn heads as she walked the red carpet in a Versace gown that Gigi Hadid recently modeled during the Versace Fall/Winter 2023 runway show in Los Angeles, CA. The beautiful dress featured a mesh long-sleeve bodice that transitioned into a full low-waisted skirt. When it came time to perform, she opted for a quick, un-Gaga like wardrobe change.
Gaga decided to dress down for a more relaxed look than she’s ever done for a television performance. Her power ballad was contrasted by her black t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. She also sang makeup free and twisted her hair into a french braid. She began on stage with a powerful message, "It's deeply personal for me," she stated. "I think that we all need each other. We need a lot of love to walk through this life. We all need a hero sometimes — there's heroes all around us in unassuming places. But, you might find that you could be your own hero even if you feel broken inside."
Unfortunately, Lady Gaga and “Hold My Hand,” did not go on to win the Oscar for best original song. The award went to "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR”.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.