The 2023 Oscars commenced with a bang as host Jimmy Kimmel took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
In his opening remarks, Kimmel emphasized the importance of fun and safety for the nominees, but humorously added that most importantly, he wanted to feel safe himself.
Drawing inspiration from Will Smith’s hit song “Get Jiggy With It,” Kimmel playfully warned any celebrities who might get offended by his jokes that retaliating wouldn’t be a walk in the park.
He assured everyone that actors like Michael B. Jordan, Andrew Garfield, and Michelle Yeoh would have his back.
Adding to the light-hearted banter, Kimmel jokingly mentioned the show’s notoriously long runtime, quipping to the audience, “This point in the show kind of makes you miss the slapping, right?”
The remark alluded to a past tradition where an individual would slap the host if the ceremony exceeded its scheduled time.
Meanwhile, comedian Chris Rock expressed his frustration with some of the allegations made by Meghan Markle against the royal family since her departure with Prince Harry in 2020.
Rock challenged Markle’s claim that she had never researched her husband or his family before entering the royal fold.
While fans of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hoped to catch a glimpse of the couple at the Oscars, their absence left supporters disappointed.
As Hollywood stars graced the red carpet in stunning shimmering column dresses, jewel-toned gowns, and eye-catching structured attire, the Sussexes were nowhere to be seen.
The event took place under a tent, with a unique champagne-colored carpet, which further accentuated the stars’ bold fashion choices.
As some fans of the British royal family poked fun at Meghan and Harry, suggesting they had been sidelined by the organizers, experts believe that Hollywood actors and other celebrities may be hesitant to associate with the couple due to their ever-changing stance on various matters.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex faced backlash recently when Prince Harry claimed they had never accused the royal family of racism.
In a surprising turn of events, it was rumored that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, would attend the Oscars on behalf of her close friend Priscilla Presley.
Speculation arose as the biopic “Elvis” received several major award nominations.
A source revealed discussions about Ferguson’s attendance, stating that she was set to present an award.
With her close ties to the Presley family, particularly Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie, and her recent involvement in a funeral service, it seemed likely that she would grace the prestigious event.
This appearance aligns with Ferguson’s desire to spend more time in America, following the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as she hopes to distance herself from the drama surrounding her ex-husband Prince Andrew’s s** scandal.
Despite their divorce in 1996, Ferguson and Prince Andrew still reside together at the Royal Lodge, although he is facing eviction.
Insiders claim that Ferguson’s presence at the Oscars is significant, not only for the event but also for her personal aspirations.
America seems to hold promise for her future, offering an escape from the troubles she has faced in the UK in recent years.