The 91st Academy Awards are in full swing with no host – though Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler are the best substitute teachers the Oscars could have. Following a performance by Queen and Adam Lambert, the comedians and long-time buddies took to the stage to present the award for Best Supporting Actress, but not before trying out some jokes they’d use if they were hosting the show.
“Welcome to the one millionth Academy Awards!” said Tina. “We are not your hosts, but we are gonna stand here a little too long so that the people who get USA Today tomorrow will think we hosted.”
“There is no host tonight, there won’t be a popular movie category and Mexico is not paying for the wall,” Maya followed, to rip-roaring laughter. Amy then chimed in, “And we won’t be doing awards during the commercials but we will be presenting commercials during the awards. So if all the winners can say ‘Helman’s Mayonnaise, we’re on the side of food’ instead of your speeches, that would be great.”
“If we had hosted it would have gone like this: ‘Buster Scruggs, I hardly know her!'” said Tina, before Maya tried out one of our favourite lines on Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. “Hey Chad Boseman, Wakanda plans you got later?” she joked, riffing on the fictional country where the movie is set.
Sticking with the Marvel theme, Amy joked, “These Spanx are so tight, they’ve entered my Spider-verse.”
“Roma is on Netflix!? What’s next, my microwave makes a movie?!” said Tina, which the streaming service quickly responded to on Twitter, writing, “Excited to announce we have signed an overall deal with your microwave based on tonight's feedback! #Oscars”
Rounding out the jokes, Maya poked fun at the scene in A Star Is Born where Bradley Cooper’s character drunkenly wets himself on stage. “Don’t worry Bradley, after four kids I, too, have peed myself at the Grammys.” Both Bradley and his co-star, Lady Gaga, were seen laughing and showing their appreciation for Maya, Tina and Amy.
And finally, the never-ending Fyre Festival meme got another outing thanks to Tina Fey. “And look under your seats, you’re all getting one of those cheese sandwiches from the Fyre Festival!”
Seriously, why didn’t they just host the whole thing? ICYMI, this year’s Oscars is without a host after Kevin Hart stepped down from the job when his old anti-gay tweets resurfaced. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have previously hosted the Golden Globes three times so, with the addition of Maya Rudolph, we’d say they’re more than good for the Oscars job next year.
Stay tuned to Grazia for more Oscars news and the full winners list.
Biggest Oscars Controversies Of All Time - Grazia
1 of 7When Audrey Hepburn and Barbara Streisand tied
In 1969, Barbara Streisand and Aubrey Hepburn tied for best actress in their respective films, 'Funny Girl' and 'The Lion in Winter'. Since Hepburn didn't attend the ceremony, Streisand was able to accept the award without sharing the limelight.
2 of 7When Marlon Brando boycotted his award
In 1971, Marlon Brando won best actor for his role in 'The Godfather'. However, the actor was boycotting the ceremony in protest of Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans. He instead asked actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather to take to the stage where she gave an impassioned speech about Native American rights.
3 of 7When they were accused of homophobia
As one of the highest-grossing romance films of all time, 'Brokeback Mountain' was largely expected to win for Best Picture in 2006. However, 'Crash' took the prize. Many critics accused the Academy of homophobia following the decision given the relative awards and nominations of each film.
4 of 7When Saving Private Ryan lost best picture
The huge influence of Harvey Weinstein was evident at the 1999 Academy Awards, when his film 'Shakespeare In Love' beat 'Saving Private Ryan' for best picture. Given Steven Spielberg had already won best director for the film, it was largely assumed the legendary war movie would win big on the night.
5 of 7When Forrest Gump trumped Pulp Fiction for best picture
While it may surprise some, 'Forrest Gump' winning best picture in 1995 was hugely contested by film fans. Up against 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Pulp Fiction', the film was largely considered to be less-acclaimed than fellow nominees.
6 of 7When Adrien Brody kissed Halle Berry
In 2003, Adrien Brody won an Oscar for his role in 'The Pianist'. However, the biggest surprise was when he walked on stage and immediately kissed Halle Berry. She told Andy Cohen that it was an out of body experience and all she was thinking was "what the f*ck is happening right now?".
7 of 7When La La Land was mistakenly announced as best picture
Of course, nothing caused as much shock and awe as the 2017 Oscars when 'La La Land' was announced as best picture winner by accident. With 'Moonlight' announced as the actual winner moments later, it made for the most awkward onstage moment at the Oscars of all time.