Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall to host the 2022 Oscars.
The Oscars returned with a host for the first time in three years, or in this case three hosts: Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall. The women made history as they took the stage at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday night as it marked the first time three women had hosted the glittering event.
“The academy hired three women to host it because it’s cheaper than hiring a man,” Schumer joked at the beginning of her opening monologue.
The women weren’t shy about getting political and roasting Florida over the state’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law — something that may have made the network uneasy.
“We’re going to have a great night tonight, and for you guys in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night!” Sykes said, and her co-hosts pitched in, chanting, “Gay! Gay! Gay!”
The Oscars are broadcast on ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Company. Disney has been at the center of a public firestorm for his statements — or lack thereof — about the law that bars educators from instructing or discussing gender or LGBTQ issues with students through fourth grade. Employees have staged walkouts to protest the company’s “fund hatred.” The majority of the star-studded Oscars attendees applauded, and the camera panned to the likes of Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman and Steven Spielberg, who were seen clapping.
That wasn’t the only political dig during the opening monologue. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell received a not-so-sweet reputation.
“You know, this year we saw a terrifying display of toxic masculinity turning into cruelty to women and children,” Hall explained.
“Damn that Mitch McConnell,” Sykes interjected.
“You know, I was actually talking about the power of the dog,” Hall quipped.
McConnell is in good company… at the Golden Globes. Hall, Schumer and Sykes dissed the awards show, which was not aired this year due to controversy.
The story goes on
“It’s kind of sad. Do you know what’s included in this year’s In Memoriam package? The Golden Globes,” Schumer joked. (Bradley Cooper seemed to enjoy this.) “They didn’t have any black people. They had no black members.”
The women also commented on the Academy’s decision to present some craft categories before the show this year.
“As many of you know, in the first hour, the decision was made to hand out some behind-the-scenes awards,” Schumer said.
“It was a difficult and controversial decision, but I think we’ve made progress,” Sykes said as the lights in the theater began to flicker. Sykes was quick to add, “We’re all unionized!”