Jimmy Kimmel reflects on SAG and union strikes, calls out 'Barbie' snub during Oscars monologue

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jimmy Kimmel brought his signature humor to the Oscars stage once again, delighting the star-studded audience with his witty remarks during the opening monologue.

While he may have started fashionably late, Kimmel wasted no time diving into a series of lighthearted jabs and jokes, some of which hit the mark with the attendees.

"Sorry, I'm a little late. I was backstage trying to convince Greta Gerwig to direct a new 'Wolf of Wall Street' movie," Kimmel quipped, setting the tone for the evening.

Oscar snubs and Robert Downey Jr's 'paws' for thought

Among the targets of Kimmel's comedic prowess were the notable Oscar snubs of Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig, drawing laughs from the audience, many of whom are industry voters themselves.

"I know a lot of you are voters. It's like you're watching your parents fight," Kimmel joked, acknowledging the power dynamics within the voting community.

Even Robert Downey Jr didn't escape unscathed, as Kimmel playfully referenced the actor's past struggles with drug use, tying it into a hypothetical remake of an old dog-themed movie featuring the perfect candidate, the dog from 'Anatomy of a Fall'.

"If I were to remake it, I know the perfect candidate... the dog from 'Anatomy of a Fall'," Kimmel teased, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Jimmy Kimmel's take on the SAG and WGA strikes

Navigating through various topics in his monologue, Kimmel eventually touched upon the significant events of the previous year—the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes.

These strikes, which dominated the entertainment industry in 2023, led to a prolonged work stoppage in Hollywood as negotiations between labor union leaders and studio executives unfolded.

In a seemingly sincere moment, Kimmel acknowledged and applauded those who endured the challenges of the picket lines during the strikes. "I want to shout out everyone who stayed on those picket lines. It was tough, but it taught us a lesson about what we're made of... a lot of guts," Kimmel stated, giving credit to the resilience of those involved.

True to his comedic style, he managed to deliver his kudos in a funny and somewhat backhanded manner. According to Kimmel, the strikes taught everyone a valuable lesson about resilience, emphasizing the abundance of guts among those involved, albeit with a playful comment about their potential shovel-wielding skills.

"I learned that everyone here has a lot of guts. Although, let's be honest, none of you would ever be able to pick up a shovel," Kimmel humorously added, injecting levity into the serious topic.

Jimmy Kimmel's tribute to behind-the-scenes stars

Despite the playful teasing, Kimmel concluded his monologue on a high note by expressing gratitude to the behind-the-scenes crew members who supported the industry through the challenging period of strikes.

"I want to thank all the people behind the scenes—the crew members who make this show happen. We appreciate your support," Kimmel said, bringing the production team onto the stage.

Mixed reactions to Oscar snubs

As Jimmy Kimmel took aim at the notable Oscar snubs of Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig, Twitter users weighed in with a variety of opinions, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the online community.

One user wrote, "It just wasn't good enough to be nominated."

Another added, "It's not a snub, they sucked!."

One replied, "Omg it was insipid."

Another commented, "Clown. The film is rubbish so no she doesn't deserve it."

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