Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return as the host of the 96th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10th.
This marked the fourth time the comedian took on the role of emcee for the prestigious event.
The night saw Oppenheimer emerge as the big winner, securing accolades such as Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.
However, it was Emma Stone who stole the show with her win for Best Actress in “Poor Things.”
Amid her victory, Stone humorously addressed a wardrobe malfunction she experienced on her way to the stage, attributing it to Ryan Gosling’s lively rendition of the Barbie song during the ceremony.
While the Oscars stage was abuzz with celebration, Jimmy Kimmel didn’t shy away from taking jabs at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Referencing the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where they divulged shocking revelations about the royal family and Meghan’s treatment in the UK, Kimmel highlighted the aftermath that ensued.
Despite his initial lack of interest, Kimmel, like 17 million other Americans, tuned in to watch the revealing interview.
During his opening monologue at the Oscars on March 11th, Kimmel also touched upon the sentiment among Americans that Prince Harry should not be granted special treatment in the US.
In February, the Duke of Sussex expressed contemplation about obtaining US citizenship, mentioning his consideration while attending the Invictus Games.
Although the idea crossed his mind, he clarified that it wasn’t a top priority at the moment.
A significant portion of Americans echoed this sentiment, asserting that if Prince Harry pursued citizenship, he should do so without his titles.
The prevailing stance among thousands of Americans, as indicated by a recent Newsweek-commissioned poll conducted by Redfield and Wilton, is against altering laws to accommodate the prince.
The survey revealed that 44% of respondents opposed legislative changes to allow Prince Harry to retain his titles, while 23% supported such modifications, leaving 32% undecided on the matter.
Legal experts suggest a potential route for Prince Harry to retain his titles while becoming a US citizen, though the likelihood of this scenario materializing appears slim.
Without their titles, the couple would simply be known as Mr. and Mrs. Henry Windsor.
When questioned about his concerns regarding offending individuals during his hosting duties, Kimmel admitted to apprehensions about facing a silent audience but maintained that he wasn’t focused on intentionally causing offense.
The 56-year-old emphasized the need to acknowledge varying sensitivities among people while navigating comedic territory during high-profile events like the Oscars.
