Jimmy Kimmel was the host for the 89th Academy Awards. It was his first time getting the gig, and he used it to take several jabs at President Donald Trump during his opening monologue.
"This broadcast is being watched live by millions of Americans and around the world in more than 225 countries that now hate us," Kimmel began, referencing Trump's strained relationships with many countries. "And I think that is an amazing thing."
“The country is divided right now. People have been telling me I need to say something to unite us. I’m not the man to unite this country,” he added.
“There are millions and millions of people watching right now, and if every one of you took a minute to reach out to one person you disagree with and have a positive, considerate conversation – not as liberals or conservatives but as Americans – if we all did that it would make America great again. It starts with us.”
"I want to say thank you to Mr. Trump," Kimmel said. "Remember last year when the Oscars were considered racist? That's done. Thanks to him."
Kimmel also referenced the ongoing war of words between Trump and celebrated actress Meryl Streep. Trump called Streep "overrated" after her passionate speech criticizing him at the Golden Globes.
"We are here tonight to honor great actors, but we're also here to honor the actors who seem great, but actually really aren't," Kimmel joked of Streep, who's nominated for her 20th Oscar this year. "Of all the 'great' actors here in Hollywood, one in particular has stood the test of time for her many uninspiring and overrated performances... Meryl Streep has phoned it in for more than 50 films over the course of her lackluster career."
Even Trump's daughter wasn't safe from Kimmel's hits. He also poked fun at her ailing apparel business, which was recently dropped by Nordstrom and other retailers.
"Nice dress, by the way," Kimmel told Streep. "Is that an Ivanka?"
"We're at the Oscars, the Academy awards," Kimmel said. "You're nominated, you got to come, your families are nominated, your friends. Some of you will be able to come up here on the stage tonight and give a speech that the president of the United States will tweet about in all caps during his 5 a.m. bowel movement tomorrow."
Source: twitter.com
