There was much speculation on how Chris Rock would fare as host of tonight's Academy Awards, mainly due to the controversy surrounding the lack of diversity within this year's list of nominees and the exclusion of films like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Creed."
Despite the many Oscars So White protestors who demanded the comedian step down as host, Rock agreed to stay on. Safe to say, he was put in a delicate situation, and he put the audience at ease with an opening monologue that was both tactful and humorous, whilst providing a nuanced take on the indignation behind the Oscars So White movement.
He addressed his peculiar position with a winning joke right off the bat: "If they nominated hosts, I wouldn't even get this job." As for why he decided to remain this year's host, Rock admitted, "And the last thing I need is to lose another job to Kevin Hart."
He went on joke that Jada Pinkett Smith boycotting of the Oscars would be like him "boycotting Rihanna's panties." "I wasn't invited!" he exclaimed.
Watch above and read the full transcript here.
