The Oscars ceremony has been dubbed “Hollywood’s biggest political campaign” after several controversial moments occurred on Sunday.
The event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, has been met with backlash in the US media, with jokes about “toxic masculinity” and “gay” chants being made.
Oscars co-hosts Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes were at the forefront of the comments.
As Schumer welcomed viewers to the awards ceremony, she said: “This year, The Academy hired three women to host because it’s cheaper than hiring one man.”
Hosts Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes
BRIAN SNYDER
Mila Kunis spoke out on "recent global events"
BRIAN SNYDER
Meanwhile, Sykes hit out at Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell with a joke about “toxic masculinity".
The trio ended their opening sequence by saying “we’re going to have a gay night".
In reference to Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education bill, Sykes said: "We’re going to have a great night, and for you folks in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night! Gay, gay, gay!”
The bill prohibits schools teaching about gender or sexuality between kindergarten and third grade.
Elsewhere, actress Ariana DeBose spoke out after becoming the first openly queer woman of colour to win for her acting.
DeBose, who won best supporting actress for her role in West Side Story, said: “To anybody who has ever questioned your identity … I promise you this, there is indeed a place for us.”
The New York Post's Adriana Diaz was critical, writing: "Hollywood’s biggest night quickly turned into Hollywood’s biggest political campaign."
Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, also referred to the “recent global events that have left many events feeling gutted".
Kunis said: “Recent global events have left many events feeling gutted.
"Yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it’s impossible not to be moved.”
