“Once upon a time in Hollywood, ain’t that the truth.” – Brad Pitt, accepting finest supporting actor.
Your 2020 host-free Oscars opened with the dynamic Janelle Monae performing “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” earlier than elevating the roof, as the children say, and fronting an odd however energetic opening welcome quantity.
I’m unsure I’m onboard with dancing Jokers and Dolemites and World War I troopers, however Monae positively received over the stay viewers, earnning a standing ovation for her efficiency.
To the shock of no person, Brad Pitt received finest supporting actor (and deservedly so) for his sharp and humorous and empathetic work as a stuntman in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
With his typical model and charm, Pitt thanked his co-star, Leonardo DiCaprio (“I’ll ride your coattails any time”); saluted stunt crews; devoted his award to his youngsters and got here near choking up as he seemed again on his profession.
He additionally shoehorned in somewhat political commentary, suggesting Quentin Tarantino made a film in regards to the latest impeachment hearings, solely this time, “In the end, the adults do the right thing.”
Prior to Pitt’s win, Chris Rock and Steve Martin took the stage and delivered a knockout one-two punch of a monologue.
“We both have hosted the Oscars before and this is such an incredible demotion,” deadpanned Martin.
Martin singled out Pitt within the crowd and stated, “It’s like looking into the mirror.”
Rock made numerous spot-on observations in regards to the lack of variety among the many appearing nominees, together with this crack: “Cynthia [Erivo] did such a great job in ‘Harriet’ hiding black people, the Academy got her to hide black nominees.”
And because the cameras targeted on an uncomfortable-looking Jeff Bezos, Rock famous Bezos is so rich, “He got divorced and he’s still the richest person in the world.”
Smooth and informal, irreverent with out being obnoxious, and simply plain humorous. Steve Martin and Chris Rock, girls and gents.
Martin and Rock could be excellent as co-hosts for subsequent yr’s Oscars. (As would Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. As would a couple of dozen different duos, all of whom are most likely too sensible to tackle the job, figuring out each tweet they’ve ever tweeted will likely be unearthed, and each joke they’ve ever joked will likely be dissected and analyzed to dying.)
But they have been nonetheless implausible because the non-hosts.