Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel cringe joke Cillian Murphy name pronunciation

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel jokes about Cillian Murphy's name pronunciation, faces backlash. Pro-Palestinian protesters delay start of award show.

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the 96th Academy Awards with a cringe-worthy joke about Irish actor Cillian Murphy's name pronunciation. The ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, where Kimmel couldn't resist poking fun at Cillian's name. The talented actor is nominated for Best Actor for his role as J Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film, "Oppenheimer," which has received an impressive 13 nominations.

During his opening speech, Kimmel quipped, "Christopher Nolan is accompanied by his longtime collaborator Cillian Murphy, who is fantastic. Fun fact about his name: when he's in a drama, it's Cillian, but in a comedy, it's silly-an." The name Cillian has roots in the Irish language, with "cill" meaning church or churchyard, and "Ian" signifying youth or littleness.

In addition to the joke about Cillian, Kimmel also faced backlash for poking fun at Robert De Niro's age gap with his girlfriend. Referencing De Niro's role alongside Jodie Foster in the 1976 film "Taxi Driver," Kimmel joked about the significant age difference between the two. However, many viewers at home found Kimmel's humor off-putting, with some taking to social media to express their disapproval.

The start of the Oscars faced a slight delay as pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Dolby Theatre, causing a disruption. The protest, which called for a ceasefire, halted traffic and delayed some stars from arriving at the venue on time. Despite the minor setback, the show went on, and Hollywood's biggest stars eventually made their way to the prestigious event.

As the night unfolded, viewers were treated to a mix of laughter, drama, and memorable moments, showcasing the best of the film industry. From emotional acceptance speeches to stunning performances, the 96th Academy Awards proved to be a night to remember. And as the curtains closed on another successful Oscars ceremony, audiences were left eagerly anticipating what the next year in film would bring.