Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Mar 16: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel drew laughter at the 98th Academy Awards when he took the stage to present the documentary awards and made humorous remarks referencing US President Donald Trump and issues related to free speech.
Although Kimmel was not hosting the ceremony this year, he used his appearance to deliver a few sharp jokes while introducing the documentary categories.
Speaking about the courage required to make documentary films, Kimmel said filmmakers often risk their safety to tell important stories. “We hear a lot about courage at shows like this, but telling a story that could get you killed for telling it is real courage,” he said.
He then made a tongue-in-cheek comment about restrictions on free speech, saying, “As you know there are some countries whose leaders don’t support free speech. I’m not at liberty to say which. Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS.”
Kimmel also joked about not hosting the Oscars this year, quipping, “Okay, I'm just gonna go for it. Not hosting the Oscars. Why, gentlemen?”
His remarks referenced CBS’s recent decision not to allow The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to feature Texas State Representative James Talarico as a guest due to alleged threats from the Federal Communications Commission. The network had also earlier shelved a segment from 60 Minutes that had already been promoted.
Kimmel himself had faced free speech controversy last year when he was abruptly taken off air following criticism from FCC chairman Brendan Carr, a move by Disney that sparked debate among free speech advocates.
Continuing his humorous remarks, Kimmel praised documentary filmmakers for their commitment to exposing truth and injustice. He then made a subtle dig at the documentary Melania, saying some films involve “walking around the White House trying on shoes.”
Later, while presenting the award for best documentary feature, he joked again about the film, saying, “Oh, man, is he going to be mad his wife wasn’t nominated for this.”
During the ceremony, the documentary short award went to All the Empty Rooms, directed by Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones. The documentary feature award was won by Mr Nobody Against Putin, directed by David Borenstein, Helle Faber, Alžbeta Karásková, Radovan Síbrt and Lucie Kon.