Jimmy Kimmel didn't hold back his humor when he took a sharp jab at Meghan and Prince Harry for relinquishing their titles, delivering the quip on the Oscars stage.
Kimmel, returning to host the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10th, at the prestigious Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, marked his fourth time as the ceremony's MC. Among the evening's highlights, "Oppenheimer" emerged as the big winner, clinching the coveted titles for Best Picture and Best Director, with Christopher Nolan taking the latter.
The ceremony also saw stellar performances recognized, with Cillian Murphy grabbing the award for Best Actor and Robert Downey Jr. securing Best Supporting Actor. Emma Stone, visibly shocked, scooped up the Best Actress award for her role in "Poor Things," albeit experiencing a wardrobe mishap en route to the stage. Adding to the glamour, Ryan Gosling's rendition of the Barbie song, complete with karaoke, lit up the Oscar stage.
Continuing his tradition of witty commentary, Kimmel couldn't resist referencing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, especially after their headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. The couple's revelations about their treatment within the royal family sparked widespread debate, with Kimmel, like many, tuning in to the Oprah special, which drew 17 million viewers.
During his opening monologue at the Oscars on March 11th, Kimmel highlighted the sentiment among Americans, with a majority expressing skepticism towards Prince Harry receiving special treatment in the US. The Duke of Sussex's contemplation of becoming a naturalized US citizen also stirred conversation, with many Americans suggesting that if he were to pursue citizenship, he should do so without retaining his titles.
A recent poll commissioned by Newsweek revealed that a significant portion of Americans opposed legislative changes to accommodate Prince Harry's title retention, with only a minority in support and others undecided.
Despite his penchant for humor, Kimmel acknowledges the delicate balance of not offending his audience. When asked about his concerns regarding potentially offending people during his hosting duties, Kimmel admitted to a fear of facing a quiet crowd but maintained that he aims to avoid causing harm. Understanding that sensitivities vary, Kimmel emphasizes the importance of accepting differing levels of sensitivity among his audience members.
