Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return to the helm of the 96th Academy Awards, taking place on Sunday, March 10th, at the illustrious Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
This marked the fourth time the beloved comedian graced the stage as the master of ceremonies for the prestigious event. The night belonged to Oppenheimer at the Oscars, clinching multiple awards including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan. Stellar performances also earned Salin Murphy the title of Best Actor and Robert Downey Jr. the accolade for Best Supporting Actor.
Among the evening's highlights, Emma Stone's win for Best Actress for her role in "Poor Things" left her visibly stunned. Adding a comedic twist, Stone humorously recounted a wardrobe malfunction en route to the stage, jokingly blaming it on Ryan Gosling's sparkling rendition of the Barbie song, complete with karaoke, on the Oscar stage.
In his opening monologue at the ceremony held on March 11th, Jimmy Kimmel didn't shy away from discussing current events, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Kimmel, who previously recorded their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, addressed the aftermath of the revelations made by the royal couple.
Despite the polarizing nature of the discussion, with some defending the royal family while others criticized it, Kimmel highlighted the widespread interest in the topic, noting the staggering viewership of the Oprah special, which drew in 17 million Americans.
Touching on Prince Harry's recent contemplation of naturalized U.S. citizenship, Kimmel referenced the Duke of Sussex's remarks from February. While Prince Harry expressed openness to the idea, citing it as a thought that had crossed his mind, Kimmel pointed out the divided opinions among Americans regarding potential legislative changes to accommodate him.
A recent poll conducted by Newsweek revealed that a significant portion of respondents were against altering laws to allow Prince Harry to retain his titles while pursuing citizenship. Kimmel hinted at the legal complexities involved, suggesting that the prince may face challenges in keeping his titles while becoming a U.S. citizen.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kimmel reflected on his approach to comedy and the potential for causing offense. While acknowledging the sensitivity of some individuals, Kimmel emphasized his intention not to hurt anyone's feelings while delivering his comedic material.
However, he also recognized that different people have varying levels of sensitivity, and as a performer, he accepts that reality. With his signature wit and charm, Kimmel navigates the delicate balance between humor and respect, ensuring an entertaining yet respectful experience for his audience.
