Los Angeles:
Going back to the traditions, first time host Neil Patrick Harris took the musical route in his brilliant opening monologue at the 87th Academy Awards.
During his speech, the 41-year-old actor took potshots at almost all recent issues to rock Hollywood except the hacking. He also mocked the most racially uniform group of acting nominees since 1998.
“Welcome to the 87th Academy Awards... the best and whitest, sorry I mean brightest,” Harris said in his opening speech, which was quickly followed by a great comedic song.
The actor’s shot at the Academy should really come as no surprise. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite began trending on Twitter shortly after the nominees were announced back in January.
Reference to publicists, Kanye West, Twitter and more, he highlighted “Moving Pictures.”
Actors Anna Kendrick and Jack Black made appearances and broke into song along with Harris on the Dolby Theater stage.
While Kendrick belted out from her heart, Black interrupted her midway. During the performance, Harris stopped Black’s singing rant while Kendrick threw her shoes at him and chased him off the stage.
Harris said “American Sniper” is responsible for USD 300 million in box office grosses of all the eight Best Picture nominees... and compared the film to Oprah Winfrey. When Winfrey asked why he joked, “Cause she’s rich.”
Harris’ debut turn as the Oscar host earned him immediate praise on Twitter.
“Loving the opening number for the Oscars #Oscars2015,” one fan posted.
Another added, “Yes! Musical number opening! Wouldn’t have expected anything less #Oscars2015 @TheAcademy @ActuallyNPH.”
Earlier, several Hollywood stars and nominees including Julliane Moore, Michael Keaton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldana, among others, took to the red carpet in eager anticipation.
JK Simmons was named the first winner of the night for his supporting role in “Whiplash”.
