• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture
  • Oscars

Oscars 2018: Kimmel addresses Hollywood harassment, gender inequality in opening monologue

1:54
#TimesUp movement discussed on the red carpet
Robert Deutsch/USA Today Network
ByGood Morning America
March 05, 2018, 2:47 AM

— -- Nothing was off limits Sunday night as Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel took the stage to deliver his opening monologue and kick off the show.

The late night host immediately addressed the elephant in the room, mentioning Harvey Weinstein, #MeToo, Times Up and the work Hollywood has done in the past few months to change a culture of harassment and assault.

Related Articles

Read: Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel says he thinks it's 'almost necessary' for comedians to address 'serious subjects'

Related Articles

Watch: Jimmy Kimmel speaks out on bringing politics to the Oscars

Harvey Weinstein attends "Reservoir Dogs" 25th Anniversary Screening during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Beacon Theater, April 28, 2017, in New York City.

"The Academy, as you know, took lengths to expel Harvey Weinstein from their ranks," he said. "What happened with Harvey and what's happening all over is long overdue ... if we can work together to stop sexual harassment in the workplace.

"If we can do that, women will only have to deal with that every other place they go," he continued, joking.

Dozens of women accused Weinstein late last year of sexual misconduct, including rape, which allegedly happened over several decades. Though the former movie mogul has admitted to wrongdoing and sought professional help, his spokeswoman told ABC News previously that "any allegations of nonconsensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein."

Still, Weinstein was fired from the company that bears his name, banned from the Producer's Guild of America and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

But Kimmel stressed, “This is a night for positivity,” saying the awards event was most of all an evening to celebrate the great films from 2017.

It was also a night to celebrate women and diversity in film.

“Ceilings have been shattered,” Kimmel said, mentioning films like “Lady Bird," “Black Panther” and "Wonder Woman."

"I remember a time when studios didn't believe that a woman or a minority" could front a superhero film, he said. "And I remember that time because it was March of last year."

Kimmel also noted Greta Gerwig’s Oscar nomination for best director.

Sam Levy & Greta Gerwig during the filming of "Ladybird."

But, he said, there’s a long way to go to gender equality.

“Only 11 percent of movies are directed by women,” he said, adding that equal pay has also yet to be achieved.

Next, Kimmel praised Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” saying that the funnyman turned writer and director is one of the first artists to be nominated in three major categories on his first big screen attempt.

Last year's mixup for best picture was also addressed in classic Kimmel fashion.

Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty announce the winner of the Best Movie category on stage at the 89th Academy Awards, Feb. 26, 2017, in Hollywood, Calif.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images, FILE

"This year when you hear your named called, don't get up right away," he said, joking about the mixup that announced "La La Land" as best picture instead of the real winner, "Moonlight."

When talking about the film that grabbed the most Oscar nods, “The Shape of Water,” Kimmel once again brought things back to Hollywood harassment with a humorous twist.

“We will remember this year as the year men screwed up so badly, women started dating fish,” he joked about the plot of “Shape of Water.”

Kimmel closed by announcing that whoever gives the shortest speech of the night will win a free jet ski.

“Why waste precious time thanking your mom when you could take her” on a jet ski ride, he said.

Related Topics

  • Oscars

Up Next in Culture—

Astronomer CEO steps down after viral Coldplay 'kiss cam' clip, company confirms

July 19, 2025

Katy Perry experiences a frightening onstage mishap during concert in San Francisco

July 19, 2025

Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock reunite on 'Practical Magic 2' set: 'The witches are back'

July 18, 2025

Tech company Astronomer launches investigation into 'kiss cam' moment at Coldplay concert

July 18, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News