With a controversial field of nominations, and tons of conversation surrounding tonight's 88th Annual Academy Awards, Chris Rock's hosting gig became just as talked about, as the legendary comedian is known for his acerbic wit and scathing commentary. So here we are, Oscar night at last, and the monologue did not disappoint as Rock's trademark wit and charm skewered the industry with just the right amount of snark. In fact, there are 3 really funny gags that hit our funny bones particularly well, and without further ado we'd like to share those gags below.
Now everyone knew that when you hire Chris Rock for an awards ceremony, you're not just taking the piss out of the institution, you're targeting certain folks in the industry as well. One such person was Will Smith, husband of high profile Oscar protester Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock tackled Will with the following quip about a certain lingering sore spot in his career.
Will Smith is complaining because he didn't get nominated for Concussion.. If he wants it all about merit, can we complain about the $20 million he got for Wild Wild West.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Chris Rock took on Jada Pinkett Smith herself head on, and he did so by using her successful TV career as a star on Gotham as a bit of a dig. Rock continued his burning path through his monologue with the next gag.
Jada Pinkett Smith boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rhianna's panties. You can't boycott something no one invited you to.
With all of the Smith bashing that Rock had engaged in, you'd think that the monologue would be a seriously negative outing in its tone. However, not everything was about put-downs. Towards the end of his monologue, Chris Rock broke out the big guns of his comedic arsenal. In particular, he talked about how Paul Giamatti was one of his favorite actors, joking about his range in terms of racial relations in the films both 12 Years A Slave and Straight Outta Compton. The gag went as follows:
Last year, [Paul Giamatti's] whipping Lupita [Nyong'o]. This year, he's crying at Eazy E's funeral! Now that's range!
There was tons of material that we haven't even covered from the monologue, or even the rest of the night between the end of his opening and this moment. But one thing was clear, Chris Rock was more than ready for tonight. His background in stand up, live television, and social commentary have all created a perfect storm of skills for him to pull from, and if this monologue is any indication, we're in for a hell of a night.
Stay tuned to Cinema Blend for more Oscar coverage as the night goes on!
Photo Credit: ABC/Image Group LA
