The 96th Academy Awards, held on Sunday night, offered more than just glitz and accolades. Jimmy Kimmel, a seasoned four-time Oscar host, found himself at the center of attention as he took on online critics with wit and flair. Amidst the ceremony’s pomp and circumstance, Kimmel didn’t shy away from addressing detractors, including a notable mention of former President Trump’s social media jab at the host.
In a moment of humorous retaliation, Kimmel quipped, “Blah, blah, blah… Okay, now, see if you can guess which former president just posted that on TruthSocial. Anyone? No? Well, thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching, I’m surprised you’re still — isn’t it past your jail time?”
However, Kimmel’s humor didn’t land well with everyone. Criticism surfaced online after a jest during the presentation of clips for Best Picture nominees. The quip seemed to draw a mixed reaction from Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning Best Actress, particularly regarding her film “Poor Things.”
Kimmel’s jest about the nudity in Stone’s “Poor Things” raised eyebrows. Commenting on the aired clips, he remarked, “Those were all the parts of Poor Things that we’re allowed to show on TV,” hinting at the movie’s R-rated content.
As the camera panned to Stone, speculation swirled about her reaction. Some suggest she uttered, “Oh, my god,” while others speculate she muttered, “What a prick.” Lip-readers even proposed she joked, “He’s a jerk.” Yet, neither Stone nor her representatives have addressed the incident, leaving room for interpretation.
Amid the glitz and glamour of the Oscars, controversies like these swiftly captivate attention, showcasing that even in the most prestigious of events, drama is never far away.