Awards shows are often times a laborious watch — especially the Academy Awards. Compared to its younger, drunker step-sibling, the Golden Globes, the Oscars has earned a reputation for being a stiff, pompous, and an often overly long telecast, with its lone saving grace usually being a memorable musical performance or history-making acceptance speech.
But this year’s Oscars was actually a hoot! Maybe I’m just in a good mood because the telecast ended before 10:30 p.m. on the east coast, but there were several times throughout Sunday’s telecast where I actually laughed out loud.
Here were 10 of my favorite moments from Sunday’s telecast…
Ryan Gosling Performing “I’m Just Ken”
Does this really need any explanation? Ryan Gosling performing “I’m Just Ken” with Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen, Mark Ronson, and Andrew Wyatt was everything we hoped for and more. Him going into the crowd and sharing the spotlight with Barbie director Greta Gerwig and actors Margot Robbie and America Ferrera was the cherry on top.
Ryan Gosling performing “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars with Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen, Mark Ronson, and Andrew Wyatt everything we hoped for and more.pic.twitter.com/9IXXm7fwv7
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) March 11, 2024
Billie Eilish and Finneas Singing “What Was I Made For?”
As if we expected anything less than a home run of a performance from the musical siblings prior to them capturing their second Oscar win for Best Original Song.
Billie performing “What Was I Made For?” at the #Oscars
pic.twitter.com/Q3suCI2suI— Billie Eilish Society (@BillieSociety) March 10, 2024
John Mulaney Reciting the Synopsis of Field of Dreams
John Mulaney has officially staked his claim to be the host of the 2025 Academy Awards.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito Reunite and Spar with Batman
Former Twins co-stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunited at the Oscars “for very obvious reasons… we both tried to kill Batman.” Cut to Michael Keaton, who somehow kept a straight face as he found himself face to face with Mr. Freeze and the Penguin.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunite at the Oscars, with their old nemesis Michael Keaton looking on.pic.twitter.com/kFrCHiXLZ9
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) March 11, 2024
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt Ribbing Each Other
While Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” was the obvious highlight of the night, he also provided some laughs alongside Oppenheimer star Emily Blunt. Prior to honoring stunt performers, the two actors addressed the Barbenheimer phenomena with a few friendly digs. “The way this awards season’s turned out, it wasn’t that much of a rivalry,” joked Blunt. “I think I’ve figured out why they called it Barbenheimer and didn’t call it Oppenbarbie,” Gosling retorted. “I think you guys are at the tail end of it because you were riding Barbie’s coattails all summer.”
Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/AKbSfRmFdK
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 11, 2024
Messi the Dog
Messi, the seven-year-old border collie from Anatomy of a Fall, delivered several scene-stealing moments during the Oscar telecasts, including clapping for Robert Downey Jr. and pissing on Matt Damon’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If not John Mulaney, then give next year’s gig to Messi.
Messi applauding Robert Downey Jr at the Oscars pic.twitter.com/YCqx9XrJaf
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) March 11, 2024
Jimmy Kimmel concluded the Oscars by having Messi pee on Matt Damon’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. pic.twitter.com/tkfhbCGc8L
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) March 11, 2024
A Nude John Cena Presenting Best Costume Design
John Cena nearly gave the ABC’s standards and practices department a heart attack when he took the stage butt naked to announce the winner for Best Costume Design.
A naked John Cena and Jimmy Kimmel bicker on stage at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/1JYd5qth6F
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024
Jimmy Kimmel Read Donald Trump’s Oscars Review
“Isn’t it past your jail time?” will go down as one of the greatest one-liners from Kimmel’s tenure as Oscars host.
Jimmy Kimmel calls out Donald Trump at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/bAGWxUFg9P
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024
Al Pacino Announcing the Winner of Best Picture
Al Pacino eliminating any level of suspense by opening the envelope announcing Best Picture and immediately blurting out, “Uh, my eyes see Oppenheimer,” probably wasn’t how they rehearsed it. But I am also going to assume that the 83-year-old film legend, who happens to have a brand new baby at home, didn’t bother to show up to rehearsals.
al pacino announcing oppenheimer as the winner lmfao pic.twitter.com/wHANdLv4fu
— GC (@ValverdeSZN) March 11, 2024
The Oscars Ending Before 10:30 p.m. ET
To whoever at the Academy and/or ABC decided to start the show an hour earlier than usual, you will never know how much I love you. And with that, I bid you goodnight!