Flashback Friday: Remembering the First Time Bette Midler Took the Oscars Stage

Among the many controversies leading up to this Sunday evening's Oscars was the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to feature only two of the five numbers nominated for Best Original Song ("Shallow" from A Star Is Born and "All the Stars" from Black Panther). As with most of its other initial calls — like adding a "Most Popular Film" category and relegating the presentation of four awards to commercial breaks — AMPAS eventually reneged on the decision after much uproar.

Thus, the path was made for Bette Midler to return to the Dolby Theatre stage on Sunday to perform "The Place Where Lost Things Go," the nominated song from Mary Poppins Returns that was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. To prepare for the occasion, we're looking back at the first time Midler, herself a two-time Oscar nominee, took the Oscars stage — in 1982, to present the award for Best Original Song. Naturally, Midler can't help but cut through the show's usual pomp and circumstance in her own inimitable way.

This year's Oscars ceremony will air live on ABC on Sunday, February 24, at 8pm EST.