1. Chris Rock’s monologue
After weeks of #OscarsSoWhite conversations, everyone wanted to know what host Chris Rock would say about the topic. And he delivered. Rock kicked off his monologue after a brief video introduction montage of the year’s films, saying, “I counted at least 15 black people on that montage!”
He welcomed everyone to the Oscars, “otherwise known as the White People’s Choice Awards.” He also talked about the stars like Jada Pinkett Smith boycotting the Oscars, saying several people told him he should boycott and quit his hosting gig. “How come it’s only unemployed people who tell you to quit something?” Rock asked. “The last thing I need is to lose another job to Kevin Hart.”
“Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited!” he said, adding “that’s not an invitation I would turn down.”
2. Whoopi Goldberg Remakes Joy
Presenting live-action short film, awards season sweetheart Jacob Tremblay got some help from host Chris Rock so he could reach the microphone. Rock set out a couple of wooden boxes for the 9-year-old Tremblay and his slightly taller co-presenter, 14-year-old Abraham Attah from Beasts of No Nation. Tremblay thanked the host, telling him, “I loved you in Madagascar,” to a big laugh and endearing “aw” from the crowd. “He’s the zebra. He’s hilarious!” Tremblay added.
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