A recreation of an infamous and controversial kiss from over 20 years ago, a joke by the ceremony’s host Conan O’Brien about the biggest rap feud of last year and speculation about the attendance of the former vice president at the ceremony were among the highlights of Sunday night’s Oscar awards.
Host Conan O'Brien speaks onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, ... [+]
Halle Berry kissed Adrien Brody—who went on to win the best actor prize later in the evening— on the red carpet, recreating an infamous incident from the 2003 ceremony when Brody kissed Berry after she presented him the best actor prize for his role in “The Pianist.”
Although initially seen as the 2003 ceremony’s signature moment, the incident would garner controversy, as Berry later said she knew nothing about it and “I was like what the f—k is happening?”
“Emilia Pérez” star Karla Sofía Gascón’s social media posts controversy was poked fun at by O’Brien, who said in his opening monologue: “Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times…that’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist.
When the camera cut to Gascón, who appeared to acknowledge the joke by joining her hands and holding it up, O’Brien said: “Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.”
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud also got a mention from midway through the ceremony, as O’Brien said: “We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” before adding “Don’t worry, I’m lawyered up.”
Reports and rumors about former Vice President Kamala Harris attending the ceremony—triggered by heavier than usual security at the event—turned out to be incorrect, as former Democratic presidential nominee’s husband Doug Emhoff shared a photo of her at their home and wrote: “Oscars watch party prep.”
This is a developing story.