Chris Rock Calls Oscars ‘the White People’s Choice Awards’ in Monologue

28 February 2016 5:42 PM, PST | Variety - Film News | See recent Variety - Film News news »

All eyes were on Chris Rock as the comedian opened the 88th Academy Awards — one of the most politically-charged ceremonies (if not the most) of all time — and he didn’t disappoint.

The comic addressed the #OscarSoWhite controversy head on, taking dig after dig at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Hollywood’s diversity crisis in his monologue.

“Well, I’m here at the Academy Awards, otherwise known as the White People’s Choice Awards,” he said.

Rock then surprisingly slammed Jada Pinkett Smith‘s decision to boycott the Oscars.

“Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited,” he said, leaving the room in stitches.

Rock also revealed that he was pressured to drop out of the show by those around him and “thought about quitting” before ultimately deciding that he would be able to wield greater influence as host. »

- Maane Khatchatourian

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