Academy Awards host Chris Rock directly addressed the topic of #OscarsSoWhite in a monologue on why he decided against declining the offer host the award show. He additionally addressed why the issue arose, what he felt would be solutions to the accusations of racism in Hollywood and satirized other stereotypes among gender and race. These opening words established race as a recurring topic that existed throughout the night.

Though some admired his blunt attempt of humor towards the topic, others took offense. Sophomore Edna Tesfaye and junior Isabella Southwick explained their views on Rock’s performance: