Television host Jimmy Kimmel opened today’s Emmy Awards with a sharp suit and an even sharper dig at Hollywood.
The 48-year-old told those gathered in the Los Angeles audience just how much the entertainment business valued the representation of cultural diversity.
“Here in Hollywood, the only thing we value more than diversity is congratulating ourselves on how much we value diversity,” he said.
The host continued with a not-so congratulatory shout out to the Oscars.
“The Emmys are so diverse this year, the Oscars are now telling people we’re one of their closest friends. We’re not, by the way,” he said.
Kimmel then invited some audience participation from people of colour in the audience.
“This is a very positive thing and I think we need to stop and take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come,” he said.
“If you’re a person of colour, please, find a white person ― it shouldn’t be hard, I see a bunch of them right here ― just take a moment to reach out and say thanks for your bravery.”
Um. Yes.
The speech comes after the host handed out sandwiches, made by his mum, with the cast of Netflix’s acclaimed series Stranger Things.
See all the best dressers from the Emmys, 2016.
Emmy Awards 2016 red carpet.
Feature image via ABC.