Regina King strutting into the 2021 Oscars [1] is already my favourite film of the year. The actress and director kicked off the award show by following the red carpet into a LA's Union Station — trophy in hand — before taking her place at the podium to deliver a succinct yet effective monologue leading into the first few categories of the evening.
Despite it being a turbulent time for the film industry, the Oscars ironically felt more cinematic this year. Steven Soderbergh coproduced the ceremony, so if it sometimes felt like you might uncover a heist, or Brad Pitt [2] eating a shrimp cocktail, that's why. The opening featured colourful credits introducing various presenters, and the camerawork felt like a fresh break from tradition. Why have an inevitably unfortunate musical number when you can have Regina King invent walking?
In the absence of an official host, Regina sure felt like a suitable option. She was relaxed yet enthusiastic, composed but candid, and surprisingly at ease for someone whose directorial debut [3] was up for three awards. It was also really great to hear her read the entire 18-word title of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.
Regina also touched on important subject matters in her opening. "I have to be honest: if things had gone differently this past week in Minneapolis, I might have traded in my heels for marching boots," she said, referring to Derek Chauvin's guilty verdict [4] in the murder of George Floyd. Regina added, "I know that a lot of you people at home want to reach for your remote when you feel like Hollywood is preaching to you, but as a mother of a Black son, I know the fear that so many live with, and no amount of fame or fortune changes that."
Watch the refreshing opening and impactful monologue ahead.