As Jimmy Kimmel took the stage for his fourth stint as host of the Academy Awards, anticipation was high for what the seasoned late-night talk show host would bring to the prestigious event.
However, his opening monologue at the 2024 Oscars stirred up a flurry of reactions from both the live audience of celebrities and those viewing at home, with some finding his jokes entertaining and others criticizing them for crossing the line.
Calling Out “Barbie” Movie Snub
Kimmel’s monologue started on a high note, kicking off his monologue with a video of him in a scene from “Barbie,” a film directed by Greta Gerwig, who notably didn't receive a nomination for best director.
The first couple of minutes drew the expected laughter from the live audience, with Kimmel’s well-received joke about the controversial Marvel flop, “Madame Web.”
Kimmel directly mentioned Gerwig’s snub for best director, acknowledging that, thanks to her, Barbie is now “a feminist icon,” which received cheers from the audience and positive comments online.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel called out the Academy in his opening monologue for snubbing Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig for "Barbie."https://t.co/iw3WoHVlDwpic.twitter.com/IfAFsYXbJZ
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) March 11, 2024
"I know you’re clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her [Gerwig], by the way. Don’t act like you had nothing to do with this," Kimmel said.
After, the comedian went on to talk about actress-producer Margot Robbie and actor Ryan Gosling’s “Barbie” contributions, earning claps from the celebrities, with all of them looking appreciative of the mention, laughing at the right moments.
“I want you to know that even if neither one of you [Robbie and Gosling], wins an Oscar tonight, you both already won something much more important — the genetic lottery,” Kimmel added.
Jokes Falling Flat With Celebrities and Netizens
One particular joke aimed at Robert Downey Jr.'s past struggles with drug addiction and his manhood fell flat, leaving the actor visibly uncomfortable on stage, as shown in his facial expressions and motions, even mouthing, “Keep moving.”
"This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr.'s long and illustrious career — well, one of the high points," Kimmel alluded.
"He's so handsome, so talented. He's won every award there is to win. Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular p***s?" he added.
And while the actor looked a bit displeased but was sport about it, netizens were not so forgiving on social media.
Making fun of the drug issues of Robert Downey Jr. is actually pretty lame. I'm not surprised though, because Jimmy Kimmel has always sucked.#Oscarspic.twitter.com/LwsEhKwFr6
— Craig R. Brittain (@RealBrittain) March 10, 2024
Additionally, Emma Stone seemed less than impressed with Kimmel's comment about her performance in "Poor Things.”
“Emma, you are so unbelievably great in ‘Poor Things.’ Emma played an adult woman with the brain of a child, like the lady who gave the rebuttal to the State of the Union on Thursday night,” Kimmel joked.
The host was referring to Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt’s response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address which received widespread criticism.
“He’s a prick” she’s the realest person in that theater https://t.co/MVIANZBHbT
— rev (@whyrev) March 11, 2024
Stone’s reaction to Kimmel’s joke that was caught on camera went viral on social media, with netizens even catching her saying something to her husband.
Reading her lips, the common opinion is that she said, “He’s a pr**k,” and many agreed with Stone’s supposed opinion of Kimmel.
Downey Jr. and Stone ended up winning the Best Supporting Actor award for “Oppenheimer” and the Best Actress for “Poor Things,” respectively.
Giving Out Tequila Shots at the 2024 Oscars
Kimmel and right-hand man Guillermo Rodriguez surprised Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo with Don Julio margaritas live during the show.
Following the moment, guests 21+ in the venue were treated to an exclusive first taste of the new Don Julio 1942 Tequila, which is only available for presale.
Guillermo gives everyone tequila at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/4WYfbL4VM7
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) March 11, 2024
The integration, which drew a roomful of laughs as Rodriguez toasted his supposedly “lovely wife” Charlize Theron, marked the first time a spirits brand had an in-show moment at the Oscars, showcasing evolving marketing strategies at the prestigious event.
To further promote its new product, Diageo, the owner of the Don Julio brand, aired a one-minute commercial from its "Por Amor" campaign, displaying its new bottle design.
Reading Trump's Mean Tweet
Although Kimmel’s opening monologue had mixed reactions, one of the highlights of his hosting gig happened towards the end when he was given a minute to do an unplanned version of his sketch “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets.”
HAHAHAHA: Jimmy Kimmel just responded to Donald Trump making fun of his Oscar hosting performance saying “Isn't it past your jail time?” This is amazing. Perfectly done!!! pic.twitter.com/UDyFJvJ5gl
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) March 11, 2024
He read a scathing post that called him the “worst host at the Oscars.” As Kimmel read the long post to the delight of the audience, it became obvious who wrote it.
He later asked, “See if you can guess which former president just posted that?”
Addressing former president Donald Trump, Kimmel thanked him for watching, ending with:
“Isn’t it past your jail time?”
Kimmel's opening monologue at the 2024 Oscars proved to be a divisive moment, eliciting both praise and condemnation, making him a trending topic on most social media platforms.
The question now is:
“Will Kimmel host another Oscars for the fifth time?”