Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel calls out Academy for Viola Davis snub in opening monologue

ok.co.uk:

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel’ reference to films that were snubbed this year – including Viola Davis’ The Woman King – as he opened the Academy Awards with a monologue.

After name dropping the likes of Seth Rogan, Nicole Kidman and Steven Spielberg during his speech, Jimmy went on to shout out the movies that weren’t nominated this year, as well as making a dig about the lack of female nominated directors. “There are a number of excellent films and performances that were not nominated tonight including Till and The Woman King, which are both based on true stories,” Jimmy said. "Great performances by Danielle Deadwyler and Viola Davis that are very worthy of your time if you haven’t seen them Oscars 2023 red carpet pictures: Every snap you need to see View gallery He went on to quip: “As is a small independent film that’s called Top Gun: Maverick.The movie that saved the movies.” Jimmy also noted that Tom Cruises failed to attend Sunday night’s ceremony.

Another person who was noticeably absent was Avatar director James Cameron. Addressing this, Jimmy told the audience: “Some of the cynics are saying that Jim Cameron isn’t here because he didn’t get a best director nomination and, while I find that very hard to believe about a man of such peak humility, he does have a point… how does the Academy not nominate the person who director Avatar?” Jimmy went on: “Who do they think he is?

A woman?” While up on stage, the TV host also – of course – made reference to Will Smith slapping last year’s host, Chris Rock. “We want you to have fun, we want you to be safe and we want me to be safe,” he told the audience. “If any person in this theatre commits an act of violence, you will be awarded best actor and be allowed to give a 19-minute.