The 96th Academy Awards took a surprising turn last night when host Jimmy Kimmel seized the stage to address a scathing critique from none other than former President Donald Trump.
In a moment that added both humor and tension to the evening, Kimmel took a pause during the live telecast to share a recent social media post from Trump, who lambasted Kimmel’s hosting abilities and suggested alternative hosts for the Oscars.
“I was told we have like an extra minute, and I’m really proud of something and I was wondering if I could share it with you. I just got a review,” Kimmel remarked before delving into Trump’s scorching commentary, posted on Truth Social, Trump’s own social media platform.
Reading the tweet aloud, Kimmel paraphrased Trump’s remarks, mocking the former president’s choice of words and style. “Blah, blah, blah, make America great again,” Kimmel retorted, goading the audience into guessing the author of the tweet.
The comedic exchange didn’t end there. Kimmel, known for his sharp wit, took another dig at Trump, quipping, “Thank you for watching, I’m surprised you’re still – isn’t it past your jail time?” The remark elicited cheers and laughter from the audience, setting a playful yet confrontational tone for the rest of the evening. Watch below:
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This year marked Kimmel’s fourth time helming the Oscars, and he didn’t hold back from using the platform to address the controversies swirling around him.
In a backstage interview with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Kimmel shed light on the spontaneous decision to address Trump’s tweet, revealing that the show’s timing provided the perfect opportunity. “I’m reading the Trump tweet,” Kimmel asserted, despite advice to the contrary, showcasing his trademark defiance and humor.
In a pre-show interview with CNN, Kimmel hinted at his penchant for ribbing Trump, acknowledging the former president’s sensitivity to satire. “One of the most fun parts of my job is knowing that he hates being made fun of and making fun of him,” Kimmel remarked, signaling his intention to keep the comedic punches rolling.
The clash between Kimmel and Trump added an unexpected layer of drama to Hollywood’s biggest night, underscoring the enduring interplay between politics, entertainment, and celebrity culture. As the 2024 Oscars drew to a close, Kimmel’s irreverent spirit remained undimmed, leaving audiences both amused and intrigued by the evening’s headline-making exchange.
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