The Oscars traditionally open with a comedic monologue, and this year's monologue pulled no punches.
Hosts Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes sent up everything from Leonardo Di Caprio, PCR tests and the "Don't Say Gay' bill in their opening monologue.
The show proper opened with a performance of Beyonce's Oscar-nominated track 'Be Alive' from 'King Richard' before introducing the three hosts Wanda Sykes, Regina Hall and Amy Schumer.
After DJ Khaled of all people introduced the hosts on stage, the monologue started off with Schumer saying: “This year, the Academy hired three women to host because it’s cheaper than hiring one man.”
The hosts then turned their attention to Timotheé Chalamet who turned heads with his shirtless red carpet look.
"We’ve been dealing with COVID for two years. It’s been really hard on people,” Hall said, as Schumer followed: “Yeah, I mean just look at Timothée Chalamet.”
As the camera panned to J.K. Simmons, Sykes asked, “Oh god, what happened?” Hall replied, “You know what? I’d still smash.”
The controversial decision to relegate a number of technical categories to the pre-recorded segment of the show was referenced.
“As many of you know, a decision was made to present some behind-the-scenes awards in the first hour,” Schumer said. Sykes added, “It was a difficult and controversial decision, but I think we’ve moved on.”
At that moment, the lights began to flicker and electrical noises rang out, with Sykes quick to react "we're union!"
The Golden Globes were in the firing line, with Schumer quipping that they would include the awards show in this years "In Memoriam" section.
Some of the nominees were also called out, with Netflix's divisive 'Don't Look Up' the target of a good one-liner.
“I guess the Academy members don’t look up reviews," Amy Schumer quipped.
'Being The Ricardos' was also lampooned, with Schumer noting that despite the film being about the life and career of Lucille Ball, the film, in her opinion, was decidedly unfunny.
Not even Leonardo Di Caprio was safe, with his role in 'Don't Look Up' used as a punchline for his dating life.
"I mean, Leonardo DiCaprio, what can I even say about him? He’s done so much to fight climate change and leave behind a cleaner, greener planet for his girlfriends."
The controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill, which has become a flashpoint in American society recently, was also made fun of, with Wanda Sykes joking "We’re going to have a great night tonight - and for you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night.”
The hosts came and went over the course of the ceremony, with Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes being noted on social media for carrying the show.
