Chris Rock started the 2016 Oscars with an opening monologue that took the controversy of the surrounding the Oscars head on. The comic touched on the pressure he received to quit his hosting job, how to increase black nominees by creating "black categories," and what type of racism exists in Hollywood. Visit Oscars.com for a transcript for the full monologue and watch it in full below!
he went on to take a little jab at Jada Pinkett Smith, but everyone was fair game in the Oscar host's monologue... even himself! Within the first two minutes of the show, Rock shared:
"You realize if they nominated hosts, I wouldn't even get this job!"
"The last thing I need is to lose another job to Kevin Hart."
"It's the 88th Academy Awards which means this whole no black nominees thing has happened at least 71 other times."
The 88th ACADEMY AWARDS aired Sunday, February 28, 2016, from the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood. The Oscar presentation was also televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. Comedian, actor and filmmaker Chris Rock returned as host of the event for a second time.
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