Co-hosts Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer open the show
Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer kicked off the star-studded award show with a hilarious monologue. DJ Khaled appeared onstage to hype up the trio on before they launched into their act.
“This year the Academy hired three women to host – because it’s cheaper than hiring one man,” Schumer began.
“But I’m still excited to be hosting, representing Black women who are standing proud,” Hall said, while Schumer added, “And I’m representing unbearable white women who call the cops when you get a little too loud.”
They then touched on COVID, the Academy’s controversial decision to present eight categories before the show, 2022 Oscars snubs and the 2022 Golden Globes – laughing as they stated that it belonged in the Oscars “in memoriam” section.
“There was a lot of snubs this year -- Rachel Zegler for “West Side Story,” then Jennifer Hudson for “Respect” -- and Lady Gaga and Jared Leto for “House of Random Accents,” Sykes said.
“I was very disappointed that ‘Space Jam 2’ did not get nominated in that special effects category for that hairline they gave LeBron James,” Hall joked. “It was really good.”
They also commended Samuel L. Jackson for his honorary Oscar, before Sykes started joking about his qualifications. “I mean, I love him, he’s my guy, but I’ll be honest, there’s a few holes in his resume,” Sykes said. ” For real, like, where is the Sam Jackson rom-com?”
Sykes finished the opening act with, “We’re going to have a great night tonight, and for you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night.”
Hall and Schumer then began chanting “Gay! Gay! gay!”