The 94th Academy Awards have come and gone and what a night it was! Everyone who is anyone was in attendance, excited to celebrate the first Oscar night in a post-COVID world.
Hosts Regina Hall , Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer were in fine form, as they roasted and lampooned Hollywood’s finest during their opening monologue, along with Florida’s controversial ” Don’t Say Gay ” bill.
The celebration for the 2022 Academy Awards certainly was one for the record books.
For the first time in three years, the Oscars returned to pre-COVID form. To commemorate the event, the Academy decided to go with not just one host — but three.
It was certainly a change from what we’re used to, but personally, I loved it.
Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall all made history as they took the stage at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday.
And let me tell you something: they were freaking FANTASTIC.
In the Academy’s 94-year history, this was the first time that the Oscars were hosted by three women.
“The Academy hired three women to host — because it’s cheaper than hiring one man,” Schumer joked during the opening monologue.
The women didn’t mince words nor did they shy away from getting political — specifically as it pertained to Florida’s controversial ” Don’t Say Gay ” bill.
This new proposed legislation would in effect ban public schools from fostering discussions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Children, therefore, would be barred from learning about any LGBTQIA+ topics until at least the fourth grade — and possibly even later.
“We’re going to have a great night tonight, and for you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night!” Sykes said.
It was at this moment that Schumer and Hall chimed in, chanting the word “Gay! Gay! Gay !”
The Oscars airs on ABC, a network which is owned by the Walt Disney Company.
So far, Disney has been dragged through the mud for its total lack of statements regarding the controversial bill.
Considering they have huge influence and power, not just in Flordia, but all around the world, people were rightfully angry.
Some employees even staged walkouts and have accused the House of Mouse of “funding hate.”
As the camera panned around the room, the vast majority of celebrities in attendance applauded in support.
Among those who could be seen clapping were 2022 Oscar-nominee Denzel Washington, the incredibly talented Nicole Kidman, and legendary director Steven Spielberg.
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That wasn’t the only time during the opening monologue that things got political.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was also mentioned after Hall pointed out how McConnell’s toxic masculinity transmogrified into cruelty toward women and children.
Kind of like in the Oscar-nominated film, ‘The Power of Dog’.
The triumvirate of hosts then set their sights on the Golden Globes, which didn’t air this year amid controversy.
There was a controversy surrounding the fact that they wouldn’t air, but that didn’t stop these hosts from commenting!
“This is kind of sad. You know what’s in the in memoriam package this year? The Golden Globes,” joked Schumer .
“They didn’t have any Black people. They didn’t have any Black members,” she said.
The three women also made a point to roast the Academy for its decision to present some “craft categories” before the televised event this year.
“As many of you know, a decision was made to present some behind-the-scenes awards in the first hour,” Schumer began.
“It was a difficult and controversial decision, but I think we’ve moved on,” Sykes said semi-seriously.
But then, the theater lights began to flicker and strobe.
“We’re all union !” she proclaimed to raucous applause.
They were amazing! Definitely one of the best opening sequences we’ve had in quite some time!
