Chris Rock is not too pleased with the academy these days, it seems.
While making a tribute speech in honor of his friend Adam Sandler being awarded this year’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the comedian called out the Oscars for snubbing the “Uncut Gems” star.
“I’ve known this guy for 30 years,” Rock, 58, said of Sandler, 56, during his speech from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
“The Oscars, you know, they’re f–king a–holes,” he continued. “And if they don’t want to give my man his props, we will tonight.”
Rock appeared to be referencing Sandler’s lack of a nomination for his role as New York City jeweler Howard Ratner in the 2019 film “Uncut Gems.”
Sandler’s role was highly praised, with some even calling it the “finest” performance in his entire career — including The Post.
Chris Rock called out the academy while presenting a speech at Adam Sandler’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor award ceremony. CNN
Rock (left) referenced Sandler’s Oscars snub after he starred in “Uncut Gems.” AP
“Uncut Gems” was not nominated for any Oscars in 2019. Getty ImagesThe movie grossed more than $500 million domestically on a $19 million budget, according to box office stats.
Along with glowing reviews, it even scored an award from the USA National Board of Review as a “top ten film.”
However, the Josh and Benny Safdie-directed film was not nominated for any Oscars.
In response to the snub, Sandler tweeted out a message at the time, writing, “Bad news: Sandman gets no love from the Academy. Good news: Sandman can stop wearing suits.”
He also gave a nod to his good friend Kathy Bates, who was nominated for best supporting actress in 2020 for her role in Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell.”
Rock (left) was slapped by Will Smith while presenting an award at the Oscars two years ago.Getty Images
Rock was among many other stars who made speeches at Sandler’s ceremony. Among the other speakers were Conan O’Brien, Pete Davidson and Judd Apatow. CNN
Sandler played NYC jeweler Howard Ratner in the 2019 film “Uncut Gems.” Courtesy Everett CollectionRock has had his own bumpy journey with the Oscars, of course, after he was famously slapped by Will Smith during the 2022 ceremony.
As Rock was presenting the award for best documentary feature, he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, which Smith didn’t like very much.
In response, Smith yelled, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f–king mouth,” and then went up onstage and slapped him.
During his speech at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony, Rock also made a joke about the infamous Oscars slap, giving a shout-out to Paul Pelosi, who was sitting in the audience.
The two have been friends since they were 18, Rock said in his speech. Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Pelosi, the husband of the former speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, was attacked with a hammer during a home invasion last year.
“Before I start, Paul Pelosi, only guy who knows how I felt,” Rock joked at the start of the speech. “Just me and you Paul, just me and you, babe.”
