United States politics found its way into Oscars 2022 on Sunday but in the form of comedy. Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill was subtly used as a joke by multiple celebrities attending the award ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. 

Oscars host Wanda Sykes — who openly identifies as gay– used her opening monologue to make the reference. “We are going to have a great night tonight. And for you people in Florida, we are going to have a gay night”, Sykes said.

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Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, who were also part of the three-member hosting party, used the word “gay” multiple times in their opening comments. Applause soon erupted from the crowd, with celebrities like Denzel Washington and Nicole Kidman were seen smiling through the jokes.

The hosts clearly did not shy away from making political jokes at the ceremony. Regina Hall said during the show, “This year we saw a frightening display of how toxic masculinity turns into cruelty towards women and children”, to which co-host Sykes responded, “Damn that Mitch McConnell.”

Mitch McConnell is a member of the Republican party and is also the minority leader in the United States Senate.

Other sensitive and controversial topics were also brought up during the ceremony on Sunday. The host-trio also made light of the controversial decision to have eight Oscars presented before the show, basketball star LeBron James’ hairline and even the Golden Globes.

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What is the “Don’t Say Gay” bill?

The bill, which passed earlier this month and has been staunchly defended by Gov. Ron DeSantis, forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Its passing by Florida lawmakers rejected an onslaught of criticism from Democrats that it marginalizes LGBTQ people.

It has been loudly opposed by LGBTQ advocates, the White House and many within the entertainment industry.