As anticipated, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle found themselves absent from the guest list for the 2024 Oscars.
Jimmy Kimmel, returning as host for the fourth time, delivered a sharp and witty opening monologue that spared no Hollywood headline. During Sunday's ceremony, Kimmel amused the audience by poking fun at various industry topics. He didn't hold back, joking about the recent box office flop "Madam Webb" and even teasing Greta Gerwig, director of the Barbie movie, for not receiving a Best Director nomination.
Kimmel also took a playful jab at Robert Downey Jr.'s Hollywood journey, humorously remarking on his career's soaring heights.
Last year, during his stint as host, Kimmel had humorously teased Prince Harry with a children's book titled "Prince and the Penis," inspired by Harry's revelation of frostbite on his private parts during a North Pole expedition. This year, Kimmel entertained the audience with a fictional account of Harry's icy misadventure. In the whimsical tale, Princess Diana descends from the heavens to aid Harry, offering cream for his frostbite. Kimmel humorously recited passages from the book, eliciting laughter from the crowd. The mock Harry even inquired about Sigmund Freud, adding to the comedic flair.
The humorous narrative didn't stop there. Prince Harry's recounting of applying Elizabeth Arden cream to his frostbitten parts, as suggested by a friend, added another layer of amusement. Referring to his mother's use of the cream for her lips, Harry quipped about applying it to his "bits," emphasizing the absurdity with a chuckle.
Despite their absence from the Oscars and the comedic jabs, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced criticism in Hollywood. They've been labeled as the "biggest losers," with their lack of career progression and Spotify endeavors coming under scrutiny. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted their struggles, noting that the Sussexes' aspirations seemed to have hit a roadblock. The ridicule from various quarters, including South Park's satirical take, has left them vulnerable. Even Spotify executive Bill Simmons didn't spare them, mocking their podcast endeavors.
Royal author Phil Dampier expressed concern that the constant mockery in Hollywood could jeopardize Harry and Meghan's rebranding efforts. The relentless ridicule, particularly in the U.S., has made their lives challenging, with growing frustration among Americans towards their perceived grievances.
