The Oscars were last night, and by most accounts hostJimmy Kimmeldid an average job spearheading his second ceremony in a row. Hosting the Oscars is something of a thankless role—nominees in the room are incredibly nervous so they’re not exactly in the mood for yucks, and the host has to bridge the gap between being funny and also respectful in a way that feels right for the ceremony at large. But another awards ceremony was held this weekend with a very different kind of host, and it puts every Kimmel bit to shame. ComediansNick KrollandJohn Mulaneyreturned as hosts of theFilm Independent Spirit Awardson Saturday, and their opening monologue—which is now available to watch online in its entirety—absolutely killed.
Kroll and Mulaney have an effortless way of being likable, dangerous, and hilarious all at the same time. This monologue moves at the jokes-per-minute pace of a30 Rockepisode, and Kroll and Mulaney’s timing and delivery is absolutely perfect. Moreover, the duo found a way to directly address theHarvey Weinsteinof it all in a manner that didn’t sugarcoat the horror of his actions (they also go hard onBrett Ratner,Louis C.K., andMario Batali), but instead addressed them head-on in a brutally honest manner.
Kroll and Mulaney have been friends since college and the comfort level here is something you can’t fake, and while one bit during the ceremony withKristen Wiigwas a bit off, by and large their hosting duties were a perfect example of how to entertain during an awards show. There’s an unpredictability to the kinds of jokes they tell, but not in a mean-spiritedRicky Gervaisway. They’re just very, very funny.
Watch the Nick Kroll and John Mulaney Spirit Awards monologue below, followed by a hilarious bit thatAndy Sambergdid during the ceremony where he dressed up asJudd Nelsonand sang a version of “Don’t You Forget About Me,” but about indie actors moving into blockbuster territory. A+ all around.
