Janelle Monae dedicated her opening performance at the 92nd Academy Awards to Black History Month and snubbed films from the year. She also addressed the lack of diversity among the Academy and sang alongside Billy Porter!
Janelle Monae opened up her performance dressed as Mr. Rodgers while singing the iconic theme song “It’s A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood.” Shortly after, she addressed the lack of diversity within the Oscars and gave a shoutout to female directors who were not nominated this year. Her background dancers were dressed as characters from films that were nominated or snubbed by the Academy.
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“Tonight we celebrate all the amazing talent in this room and all the women who directed phenomenal films! And I am proud to stand here as a proud black, queer artist telling her story. Happy Black History Month.”
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She was also praised by her fellow artists and fans for addressing these issues.
Wow how about the #oscars2020 Incredible performances!🎤🎶 @idinamenzel @JanelleMonae ❤️❤️
— Angelica Hale (@angelicahale) February 10, 2020
That performance though!!! Incredible @JanelleMonae 💯💫👏🏼 #oscars pic.twitter.com/3LIW7DgnMs
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) February 10, 2020
Janelle Monáe in Midsommar garb is all I want to talk about. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/ESrg07L9Vf
— Jamie Jirak (@JamieCinematics) February 10, 2020
BRIE LARSON VIBING TO JANELLE MONAE AND JANELLE GOING “YOU CAN SING IT” THIS IS ALL I’VE EVER WANTED #Oscars pic.twitter.com/0HivcoerT2
— alex 40 (@loventhunders) February 10, 2020
“Why didn’t they just have Janelle Monáe host the whole damn thing?”
— literally everyone after that performance#Oscars
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) February 10, 2020
Press play to watch the performance below and share your thoughts with Yappa.