In a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a touch of controversy, the 2024 Oscars kicked off with Jimmy Kimmel’s explosive opening monologue that left A-listers both grinning and cringing. The host, making a return for the fourth time, spared no punches, diving straight into personal territory.
The Roast Heard ‘Round Hollywood
Taking center stage in Kimmel’s comedic crossfire was none other than Robert Downey Jr., nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer.” The 56-year-old host, known for his irreverent humor, spared no mercy, playfully jabbing at Downey Jr.’s manhood and delving into his past struggles with substance abuse.
In a moment that raised eyebrows and stirred debate, Kimmel remarked, “And Robert Downey Jr., one of the highest points of his career. But Robert has been…” as he gestured towards RDJ’s face. The punchline? A suggestive comment about the actor’s anatomy and a cheeky inquiry about the shape of his pocketed acceptance speech.
A Somber Audience and Viewer Backlash
The crass joke landed with a thud, leaving Downey Jr. looking somber as the camera captured his reaction. While Kimmel’s humor is often known for pushing boundaries, this particular jab about substance abuse and personal attributes received a mixed reception. Social media quickly erupted with criticism, labeling Kimmel’s jokes as “bottom of the barrel” and accusing him of insensitivity.
Undeterred, Kimmel continued his monologue, navigating through various comedic targets, including a playful quip about a movie where Tim Allen turns into a dog, and a cheeky comment about the length of the awards show, promising a long night ahead.
Celebrating Achievements and Addressing Industry Shifts
Amid the laughter and controversy, Kimmel took moments to acknowledge the talent in the room and reflect on the challenges the industry faced during the past year. He touched upon the industry’s resilience in producing exceptional films despite the hurdles, giving a nod to notable works like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
Nod to Controversial Snubs and Unexpected Nominations
Kimmel didn’t shy away from highlighting the unexpected twists and turns in this year’s nominations. Notable snubs, including Margot Robbie for best actress in “Barbie,” and the surprising nomination of America Ferrera for best supporting actress over her role in “Barbie,” were cheekily addressed. The host even poked fun at the length of some critically acclaimed movies, joking about driving to Oklahoma during the extended runtime of “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Oscars 2024: A Night of Firsts and Milestones
As the night unfolded, historic moments and milestones took center stage. Notably, Lily Gladstone became the first Native American ever nominated for Best Actress, receiving recognition for her role in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The ceremony also introduced a new category for casting, hinting at an evolving landscape within the Oscars.
Record-Breaking Nominations and Intense Competition
The Oscars of 2024 saw two blockbuster films, “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” leading the nominations with 13 and 8 nods, respectively. “Oppenheimer” fell just one nomination short of the all-time record set by “Titanic” in 1998. The anticipation for major categories, including Best Picture and Best Actor, reached a fever pitch, with Cillian Murphy being a favorite for his role in “Oppenheimer.”
Full List of Oscar Winners: Honoring the Best of 2023
As the evening progressed, the spotlight shifted to the winners. Notable victories included “American Fiction,” “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” and “Barbie,” each receiving recognition in multiple categories. The diversity of talent was underscored with wins for actors such as Lily Gladstone, Sterling K. Brown, and Emily Blunt, reflecting the richness of performances in the cinematic landscape of 2023.
The Oscars: A Night of Laughter, Controversy, and Celebration
In true Oscars fashion, the night encapsulated the essence of the film industry—celebrating achievements, navigating controversies, and bringing together a diverse array of talents. Jimmy Kimmel’s unfiltered humor set the tone for a memorable evening, leaving audiences with a mix of laughter, reflection, and anticipation for what lies ahead in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
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