In honor of the 94th Oscars, let’s explain some of the presenter pairings throughout the ceremony.
Award season is upon us! The 94th Oscars Award Ceremony was one to remember, with many amazing nominations, winners, and performances. It was also the first seemingly normal Oscars since the global pandemic. Along with all of the nominees, the presenters are an integral part of the ceremony. They usually give speeches, some inspirational and some with a hint of comedy to bring entertainment to the night. This year, there were many pairings that the audience may not have expected to be together or in attendance. While it may seem that there is no known rhyme or reason to why they were matched, we’re diving in to explain some of these presenter pairings.
Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Samuel Jackson
This year’s Oscars honored the anniversary of many iconic movies such as James Bond, The Godfather, and Pulp Fiction. Viewers at home may have been surprised to see Uma Thurman, John Travolta, and Samuel Jackson reunite on the stage to present an award in honor of Pulp Fiction’s 28th Anniversary. The three took the stage and even recreated the iconic dance scene. They proceed to announce the winner for the performance of an Actor in a Leading Role.
Venus and Serena Williams
There were various athletes presenting at this year’s Oscars including Tony Hawk, Shaun White, and Kelly Slater. However, the sibling star athlete duo, Venus and Serena Williams were present at the Oscars for more than just their achievements in tennis alone. One of this year’s Best Picture nominations, King Richard, told the story of Venus and Serena’s father, Richard Williams. To honor the film as well as their family, the sisters presented Beyoncé’s performance of her song “Be Alive” from the film’s soundtrack.
Lily James, Halle Bailey, Naomi Scott
Another highlight of this year’s Oscars is the extra appreciation of animated films, especially the breakout Encanto, which won Best Animated Film. The presenters of this award were actresses Lily James, Halle Bailey, and Naomi Scott. On the surface, it definitely seems like an unexpected trio, but it turns out all of them have played or will play a Disney princess. In 2015, Lily James portrayed Cinderella, Naomi Scott as Jasmine in the 2019 Aladdin adaptation, and Halle Bailey is set to play Ariel in the new Little Mermaid coming in 2023.
Zoe Kravitz and Jake Gyllenhal
The nominees this year for Best Original Song were nothing short of amazing. Unsurprisingly, the iconic brother-sister duo Billie Eilish and Finneas ultimately took home the Oscar for their song “No Time to Die”. The presenters Zoe Kravitz and Jake Gyllenhaal, however, were again most likely unexpected by viewers. However, both of them do have something in common, they both have played villains in superhero films. In 2019, Jake Gyllenhaal has starred as Mysterio in Spiderman: Far From Home, along with Tom Holland and Zendaya. This year, Zoe Kravitz played Selina Kyle aka Catwoman in the new movie The Batman along with Robert Pattinson.
Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli
Saving the best for last, Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli were paired to present the big-time Oscar award for Best Picture. Liza Minnelli is of course an icon and an EGOT winner, known for her role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Lady Gaga is iconic within herself as a Grammy and Oscar-winning singer, who now has made her way into the acting scene with A Star is Born and House of Gucci. The two are not only both successful actresses and musicians but have worked together on Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour: Madison Square Garden in 2011.
