2022 is coming to a close and it’s the perfect time for an end-of-year list.
Yes — despite it feeling like 2020 is in its third cycle, we have somehow completed another year full of cultural moments and plenty of ups and downs. Before 2023 rears its head into our lives, let’s take a moment to look back at the moments that stood out for us as a community. Because yes, there was plenty of heartbreak this year. But there were so many moments of light, progress, and hope across culture, sports, film, and more.
From Jenna Ortega’s mesmerizing dance moves on Wednesday to a big win for Encanto, to Vanessa Bryant’s Día de Muertos tribute, here are the moments we cannot forget in 2022. And of course, the big win by Argentina at the 2022 World Cup!
1
Argentina Winning the 2022 World Cup
Argentina, led by their Captain Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup and proved the strength and resilience of their team. It was a stressful game, which saw its conclusion thanks to penalty kicks. But everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting for this long-awaited moment. And when it did happen, everyone broke out into celebration, whether you were on a plane or the actual sports commentator giving an emotional live play-by-play of the game.
2
Bad Bunny Kisses Male Dancer During MTV VMA's
After he won Artist of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards, Bad Bunny had an electric performance that stole the show. During the performance, Benito also kissed one of his male backup dancers. Then, he kissed one of his female backup dancers. Social media went ablaze and fans could not help but notice that it seemed like an homage to a 2003 VMA moment when Madonna kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Bad Bunny throwing it back to an iconic moment in pop history while also including both a man and a woman in his kiss sends a clear message of acceptance.
3
Afro-Latina Reporter In Yellow Dress At Met Gala Goes Viral
The Met Gala isn’t just the fashion event of the year. It also raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which is a museum gallery that documents fashion from the 15th century until the present. It’s also not just celebrities who serve looks on that red carpet. This was certainly the case when Génesis Suero went viral for her gold beaded gown by Lucia Rodriguez. Not only did Suero understand the ‘gilded age’ assignment better than almost anyone, but she also managed to look like a real-life Disney princess in her golden dress.
4
Jenna Ortega’s Epic Dance Scene In ‘Wednesday’
Netflix’s smash hit Wednesday has taken social media by storm. Tim Burton’s work is unmistakable, but the cast of Wednesday really drives the show, especially lead actress Jenna Ortega, whose dance has gone viral to the point where even Lady Gaga is recreating it. The dance moves, which she said were influenced by the original actress Lisa Loring and a handful of 80s new wave goth bands, were mesmerizing. Alternating between looking like a marionette on wires and a goth queen, Ortega’s dance moves looked completely integrated into the character and stole the show.
5
The Shakira/Chris Evans/Henry Cavill Dating Memes
Earlier this summer, it became apparent that Shakira would be back on the market after she and Gerard Pique split up. Around the same time, Shakira and Captain America and Lightyear star Chris Evans started following each other on Instagram. That’s when social media tried to play matchmaker. One reporter was as blunt as possible, asking Evans if he would ever date Shakira. Social media sleuths then unearthed a clip from a 2015 red carpet event where Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) reacted with excitement when he saw someone who he thought was Shakira. That’s when Shakira/Evans/Cavill memes started, proving once again that the internet is undefeated.
6
Vanessa Bryant Día de Muertos Tribute to Kobe and Gianna
On Día de Muertos, Vanessa Bryant, the late widow of NBA icon Kobe Bryant, posted an incredible tribute to her late husband and daughter. In the Instagram video, she is dressed up as La Catrina, an iconic image of the Mexican-rooted holiday. Bryant was wearing an all-black dress that featured a purple heart with gold and silver accents, representing the colors of the Lakers where Kobe Bryant played his entire Hall of Fame career. At the center of the heart is the outline of the number two, the jersey number worn by Gianna. A touching tribute as soon as “Amor eterno” by Rocío Dúrcal started playing.
7
Karol G Says Bye to the Blue Hair
Karol G, the Colombian superstar artist, was known her for iconic blue hair as she skyrocketed up the charts and became a household name for many. This changed over the summer when she decided to change her look. A day later, she posted the “new level unlocked” hair color on her Instagram. Red, blue, it does not matter. Karol G is an icon and we can’t wait to see what color she picks next.
8
‘Encanto’ Wins An Oscar For Best Animated Film
2022 was chock full of Latine victories and iconic moments. Few victories were bigger or more literal than when Encanto won Best Animated Feature at the 94th Annual Academy Awards. Just a few years after Coco won the same award at the 2018 Oscars, Encanto proved that Latine artistry is vital to our society and deserves continuous representation.
9
Mexican Figure Skater Donovan Carrillo’s Debut
The 2022 Winter Olympic Games were special for Mexican figure skater Donovan Carillo. He proved to the world that he was born to compete with the best figure skaters in the world on the biggest stage, becoming the first Mexican skater to compete at the Olympics in 30 years. “I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to keep skating and living the Olympic dream,” Carillo said about the experience. Here’s hoping we see him again and that his career continues to blossom.
10
Cardi B With Her Daughter And Bodyguard Go Viral For Riding Tea Cups
Who doesn’t love taking their children to Disneyland? Back in March, Cardi B took her daughter Kulture to Disneyland. This didn’t go viral because Cardi and Kulture were riding the tea cups — but mainly because Cardi’s bodyguard rode the tea cups by himself. When your job is to be a bodyguard, sometimes you ride the teacup ride alone to keep a close eye on your charges. Which, respect. But the image was so funny that it quickly went viral on social media.