Oscars 2022 host Amy Schumer pulled no punches when she opened the show on Sunday, as she mocked Leonardo DiCaprio's dating life.
Taking to the stage at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, the comedian did what many other hosts before her have done over the years, taking playful jabs at fellow celebrities and discussing the movies nominated for awards.
Making mention of DiCaprio's recent star-studded satire Don't Look Up, which divided critics, Schumer quipped: "Don't Look Up is nominated. I guess the Academy members don't look up reviews!"
After assuring the ceremony's star-studded gasping audience that she "loved that movie," she added: "Jennifer Lawrence was amazing in it, even though she did gain some weight this year," referencing the actress' recent pregnancy.
However, Schumer's most brutal swipe of all was saved for DiCaprio himself, as she went on: "He's done so much to fight climate change and leave behind a cleaner, greener climate for his girlfriends."
"Because he's older and they're younger. OK, you get it," Schumer added, as the camera panned to Jessica Chastain, who placed her hands over her face as she laughed along with the audibly shocked audience.
Perhaps thankfully for DiCaprio, he wasn't seen in the audience to endure the jab from Schumer, who opened the show alongside co-hosts Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes.
This isn't the first time that DiCaprio's romantic life has been used as comedic fodder at an awards show. During the BAFTAs in London this month, ceremony host Rebel Wilson wandered through the crowd before approaching 20-year-old CODA star Emilia Jones.
"I'll give you the award for the person in the crowd Leonardo DiCaprio would find most attractive," Wilson said to the actress, per The Independent. "He does like them young."
At Golden Globe Awards in 2020, host Ricky Gervais was equally merciless while talking about Quentin Tarantino's movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
"[It's] almost three hours long—it's an epic," he said. "Leonardo DiCaprio attended the premiere and by the end his date was too old for him."
Back in 2014, Golden Globes presenter Tina Fey also took aim, as she said while welcoming DiCaprio to the stage, per the Huffington Post: "And now, like a supermodel's vagina, let's all give a warm welcome to Leonardo DiCaprio."
Sunday's Academy Awards marked the first time three women have hosted the ceremony and the first time since 2011 where the ceremony featured multiple hosts.
DiCaprio's movie, Don't Look Up, which was directed by Adam McKay, was nominated for four Academy Awards, including the coveted Best Picture prize.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Ryan Smith is a Newsweek Senior Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
