When Chris Rock was announced as the host for this year's Oscars, undoubtedly everyone in Hollywood drew a sharp intake of breath.

Let's be honest - Chris Rock's stint in 2005 was pretty damn sharp and pretty much everyone was expecting the same this time out. Couple that with the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, Jada Pinkett-Smith's boycott and everything else and it's basically a powder-keg waiting to happen.

So, sure enough, Chris Rock started off by deftly addressing the boycott and his own reasons for attending rather than boycotting. Pretty soon, he was into the full swing, taking swipes at Jada Pinkett-Smith, Hollywood casting, whether or not the film industry is racist and Jamie Foxx's fantastic performance as Ray Charles.

Here's the video in full. 

And now, because we all wanted it, is a few reaction .gifs of celebrities in the audience during Chris' monologue. Check out Sylvester Stallone's half-laugh during the Creed / Rocky part.

 

Brie Larson and David O. Russell cracking up at Will Smith being paid $20 million for Wild West. We cracked up, too. AT HOW SHIT THAT FILM WAS.

 

In fairness to Stallone, he had semi-chuckle about the dig. "Ha ha, I better win an Oscar tonight."

 

Mark Ruffalo having a good laugh while his mate, Paul Giamatti, gets roasted on stage. Also, shout-out to JK Simmons' beard game. On point, brother.

 

Via YouTube