Jon Stewart's Opening Monologue: 2006 Oscars

Host Jon Stewart opens the 78th Academy Awards.
See more 2006 Oscar highlights: • 2006 Oscars
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards-in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners-the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

[@keelahrose]

Oh my God seeing Phillip Seymour Hoffman AND Heath Ledger in the front rows is heart wrenching. I wasn't prepared.

[@joeybaseball7352]

They were drug addicts who overdosed.

[@keelahrose]

@@joeybaseball7352 Heath wasn't. He just took the wrong mixture.

[@robbgrey1010]

I like Clooney expression "Haha...wait a minute"

[@0Clewi0]

Totaly fake but good sport at least

[@Autotrope]

Jon Stewart loves those gray t-shirts

RIP Heath Ledger and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

[@wredser]

yea, wow, how sad. odd that they were both zoomed in on like that, and neither are here today.

[@ysabarro]

+Alex Card same thought.

[@gorginhanson]

Who's the blonde next to Ledger?

[@MrKajanus]

gorginhanson - Michelle Williams. They were together back then.

[@federicadibattista1806]

João Solimeo i

[@joeltravis9446]

This crowd is awful. Jon Stewart was slaying the entire time.

[@danielkokal8819]

no he didnt .... his timing was off. delivery is everything

[@rapier1954]

Professional crowd who got it right.

[@katherynemero9355]

That is absolutely true. He is slaying the hell out of this. Too bad they don't want to hear it.

[@philipkay8372]

These shows are notorious bad/hard to do because of the venue and audience

[@livingtribunal2628]

Worst monologue ive watched and ive watched them all since 2000.

[@tobybartels8426]

13 years later, the extended bit about how hard it is to find a host is a little ironic.

[@valentino2195]

"Björk couldn't be here tonight...She was trying on her Oscar dress and Dick Cheney shot her."

[@adrijan6510]

Jon we need you back man I swear

[@dielaughing73]

Yessssss

[@Lightningkuriboh]

He’s back

[@adrijan6510]

@Lightningkuriboh you have no idea how thankful I am I'm sharing so much of his videos on ig. He got neo liberals and conservative Trumpers so fucking mad I love it.

[@iggystompbarnyard]

5:46 "look at them!!" cut to heath ledger... 10 years really is a long time...phillip seymore hoffman

[@OverdueReview]

That equal pay joke at 8:54 would've killed this year!

[@johnsreactions6658]

Overdue Review No it would be offensive for many people

[@mangos2888]

Stewart was always ahead of his time. And correct.

[@J.5.M.]

So awesome to see Hoffman laughing and having a great time here. RIP to a true talent

[@TheLegendaryDoc]

I remeber cracking up when he made the joke about Bjørk and Dick Cheney. Time passed, but I'll never forget that joke ever in my life, I loved the show!

[@marymagdalene3004]

It was a good joke but was not delivered with the levity it warranted. Too much resentment in Stewart's delivery to keep things funny and not so serious. He couldn't leave his personal animosity for the things he mentioned nor of the people he mentioned. That's where he missed the boat as host.

[@vipuntilwhenever128]

Yess

[@aashnaashah6152]

Is it just me or is Stewart too smart for this crowd

[@LOLERXP]

I think his jokes landed pretty well??

[@krissielundy9934]

I think he's too smart for most crowds 😂

[@yasirkhan6455]

Def just u...

[@valmacclinchy]

@@krissielundy9934 absolutely, he's brilliant.

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

it's mostly you wanting to feel smart by judging people you're better than. if you can't work your audience, then blaming the audience means admitting you're bad at your job.

[@MeganWoodard1984]

:D I like John a lot, he was respectful but also had a wonderful sense of humor. Seeing Heath and Phillip in the audience, reminds you that we lost two brilliant actors who should still be here w us making movies....RIP to you both!!

[@MJWilde]

Jon Stewart is just the best. A legend. So damn funny. But it's so sad to see those who have passed since then, as well. Like Philip Seymore Hoffman and Heath Ledger. Great talent.

[@feedthesnake3394]

still one of the most intelligent monologues.

[@valmacclinchy]

Jon is a brilliant guy, an author and activist.

[@springhillgolfer878]

I've watched a lot of these Academy Awards opening monologues and I think this is the best one, followed by the 2009 one. Amazing.

[@dennisagusdianto315]

Watch Hugh Jackman slay in 2012 monologue!

[@amangoyal923]

2008 you mean ​@@dennisagusdianto315

[@killdianette]

I see dead people

[@mrsperfectlyfine450]

Kwack that’s sooo dark

[@herculesmoversinc3006]

Facts

[@scottwilliam3470]

Kwack to soon

[@still-standingrunner8109]

One of the greatest monologues ever

[@sylviefortin130]

Delivery was off

[@headcanon6408]

"Tonight's theme is return to glamour" *Crash wins best picture*

[@hakim6158]

you ever rewatch a monolgue then check the press's reaction at the time and go the fuck is wrong with media ? they eviscerated Jon and said he sucked .. I loved it !

[@hetaes]

"I think I speak for all jews when I say, 'I can't wait to see what happens to us next.'" LOL!

[@martapustkowski9346]

hetaes dear ms. Heraes

[@martapustkowski9346]

I hope that it is better!

[@veiyi]

A time when Meryl was sitting not in the front row dead middle.

[@BL-mf3jp]

Back where she belongs!

[@pvthitch]

Dying to know who walked out after Jon said "How talented they are."

[@wredser]

Anyone else notice Heath ledger in the audience? :(

[@ysabarro]

yeah... and Philip Hoffman too. :(

[@thefilmseeker]

Kinda hard not to "notice" when the camera cuts directly to them specifically.

[@scottwilliam3470]

Alex Card yes no maybe I don’t know Whatever

[@igotajopamerica3040]

Who cares.

[@omerdemir6173]

@@thefilmseeker at which point???

[@jazzdub4958]

RIP Heath Ledger, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William Hurt. It's such a shame Jon Stewart didn't get another crack at hosting the Oscars. This was brilliant and it just gets better and better as time goes by, makes a change having a restrained smaller style than the usual bombastic Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg ones.

[@andrewrodgers8596]

This is great, he just took the piss out of Hollywood the whole time

[@wanx3rz]

tough crowd

[@AinzWoolGown]

Mar wan Pretentious crowd

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Painful

[@Claudiia]

Heath shrugging at the beginning was adorable omg

[@broadwaymike92]

That opening music is the ending music from the 1997 animated film ANASTASIA

[@nicolesieber16]

Jon Stewart and George Clooney. What I wouldn’t do to be in the middle of that sandwich.

[@Mr-Soto]

Nicole Siebe🤯

[@adamsbriee6330]

@Jeepman89 he’s hot

[@bluepacifica123]

He's so gorgeous.

[@aissamo2393]

10 years :'( ! i feel old

[@jasonh5377]

He went a dream within a dream within a dream! One more layer and he'd be in limbo!

[@lonelylucifer5301]

We need Stewart more than ever

[@BusyShow]

1:50 Mel Gibson Runs the same way he runs on Lethal weapon with a rifle in his hand. Guess I watched that movie too many times to be able to notice that!

[@antisomething4248]

Busy Show his run was hilarious he’s great at comedy

[@justjackman]

YES! Him and Tom cruise both have recognisable running styles. Amazing!

[@oliverposniak1254]

Like there is a thing like watching Leathal Weapons Top much😏and I also notice his running style 😂

[@krissielundy9934]

@@justjackman Will Smith too

[@lllllMlllll]

6:00 Heath Ledger .. 6:50 Philip Seymour ... :(

[@neilgodfrey2669]

His George Clooney joke has to be one of the best of all time.

[@jtb1990419]

1:08 Announcer: Please welcome your host, Mrs. Whoopi Gold- Whoopi: Oh, hell no! That one got me pretty good. Letterman's was a little creepy, I gotta say.

[@JaIch9999]

Why do Americans thing that "oh hell no" is a funny or witty or original comeback. You guys say it all the time as if it reflects great wisdom or a strong character. Boring.....

[@galmanferguson]

That's the point with Letterman. People think he's creepy so instead of being offended with it, he poked fun at it

[@BlueSpirit3743]

'Felicity' - best gag ever

[@tjwash5118]

skbfilm not if you’re a man or woman who is transgendered and being mocked

[@johnsreactions6658]

TJ Wash Why is it okay to mock everyone else except trans people? I’m asking honestly, You want to be treated equally you said

[@ladymirth]

@@johnsreactions6658 because they're a disenfranchised minority who are relentlessly mocked and identities dismissed at best and murdered at worst. Making fun of minorities is just kicking a guy who's already on the ground bleeding. Making fun of the privileged is to challenge their power or a friendly jab at worst.

[@ladymirth]

@@johnsreactions6658 Equality is recognizing which people are suffering and being kind and helping them up while bringing those with too much power and privilege down. Equality requires understanding the inequalities that already exist and adjusting your behaviour towards different people accordingly.

[@emreakilic2475]

@@ladymirth Equality is understanding the difference between jokes and being maliciously mocked just like everyone else without the expectation of being treated like a fragile baby bird.

[@justAman548]

Jon: “I’m Jon Stewart and...” Me: “Oh I know this one! Welcome to the Daily Show!” Jon: “Welcome to the 78th Annual Oscars” Me: “Oh, ok😞”

[@willschoenenberger234]

'Walk the line is Ray with white people' hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Brilliant

[@miSc_dk]

Back, when there was hope for America. I have traveled 31 states, and I love you all. But by god, you need proper guidance...

[@montyparata4914]

3:37 RIP beautiful soul

[@MrHalandojones]

B'jork. That joke still kills.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@godlyblessedliibaangodisgo4394]

this was the first Oscars i ever watched ,LOVED it wide eye kid like me it brilliant thank you God

[@AFRICATOAMERICAPODCAST]

I like the last Joke we can a represent People In Order How Talent it they are

[@festus569]

The best part is when Jon Stewart mentioned movie piracy and says actresses can barely cover her breasts. The second best part is when Jon Stewart made fun of some S. Spielberg's movies, Bjork and the movie Ray.

[@Descalabro]

For my taste, that Bjork joke was the best.

[@dlh7989]

6:09 hahaha Rachel and Amy both looked down

[@abdinasirnas5685]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Felicity for bribing college admissions

[@rickmachado2005]

78th ...seeing Will Smith in the audience...after watching the slap 🤣 pure gold...

[@Wyttfilms]

God I miss heath ledger. R.I.P Heath Ledger.

[@DrJG9]

"I'm busy too", "oh, hell no!", and Mel Gibson running from a puma, but jin is still funnier.

[@nagisaindaegu784]

Man I miss Jon!

[@princekazhila2003]

3 bad ass jokers in one room what a night.

[@cosmicwanderer891]

Does anyone here thinks that Michelle Williams looks similar to Taylor swift??

[@peterwallis4288]

I thought that was Taylor Swift. But yeah, it can't be her in 2006.

[@heisen-bones]

you mean to tell me that's NOT Taylor Swift?!! Jesus my eyes deceived me

[@Sillybillyilly]

The only yellow dress I loved

[@samishahzad3968]

Wonderful superb great host Jon Stewart's. And Oscar monologue

[@fe5018]

6:59 Keira Knightley and Jack Nicholson sitting side by side is weird looking.

[@chiragdahiwale6912]

Why tho? Genuinely curious question

[@fe5018]

@@chiragdahiwale6912 it's been 2 years, I honestly can't remember what my reasoning was at the time... Maybe just that she's such a modern and young star and he's an icon so associated with a different era? I suspect that was it, that it was just this unexpected juxtaposition of eras? Could also be that the framing makes them look like they attended as a couple here. Which with their 50 year age gap is a bit jarring. Honestly can't recall. I may not have even had a specific, considered reason. Was possibly just an idle observation with no greater thought.

[@nanouklezaf4273]

"Ladies, gentlemen, um... Felicity" LMAO

[@carlosgil378]

What was this joke about?

[@nanouklezaf4273]

@@carlosgil378 This was the year Felicity Huffman was nominated for Best Actress for playing a transgender person (male to female) in Transamerica.

[@TheRealBeatMaster]

He should do it again

[@Alisa-utube]

my god, those jokes are timeless!

[@bennyton2560]

5:37 Charlize!!!! Goddess

[@anmol96titoria]

Best Oscar Host Of All Time

[@kingschultz3251]

not even close ...

[@starkiller578]

Brother Troy who would you say is a good?

[@zongkailin2366]

I would say Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Kimmel and Bob Hope and some others were better, but Jon Stewart surely is above average hosts (like Chris Rock or Johnny Carson)

[@PIXPromosMore]

He was Good, but I wouldn't say "Of All Time"; Maybe one of the best of the '00s.

[@JavierRodriguez17565]

anmol96titoria Chevy Chase was a good host

[@tariqsarwar3408]

How far freedom can be extended!, and Charlize Theron's persona, insightful!

[@franceszapata951]

Please include closed captions so that the information is accessible to everyone

[@jonjonmia]

I swear the narrator at the beginning is the same narrator for every clone wars episode intro

[@monikaszymanowska5142]

It's smashing all the way. I especially loved the joke about uncompromised journalists in period movies and the one about Bjork:-)

[@HShravzP]

at 11:29 , Morgan Freeman is like "What the F is happening here?"

[@adamhartman3510]

Things have changed in 12 years. Hoffman, Ledger = dead. Morgan Freeman = blacklisted. Felicity Huffman trans joke, Hallee Berry sex joke = not okay anymore. Jon Stewart = nowhere to be found when we need him most

[@VardhanShrivastava]

Nah the hallee bit is fine.. Isa dream sequence done tastefully plus Clooney was subjected to same

[@flower_girl4983]

U could focus on the positivity instead of the dead 😔😑

[@krissielundy9934]

Wait since when was Morgan Freeman blacklisted? What did I miss?

[@TaylorMade4Zero]

Jon Stewart is too damn good.

[@camelot28]

He is the best for opening monologues and Steve Martin, Ricky Gervais.

[@three11forlife]

Ah. The good old days.

[@inthedarkanonymous5625]

His heart doesn't seem to be in it. I love and admire Jon Stewart. I think he feels compelled to try to fix things instead of being excruciatingly funny.

[@cz2165]

So bittersweet seeing Heath Ledger and Philip Seymour Hoffman in the audience, they left us too soon.

[@garrusvakarian267]

3:36 the feels

[@ghaidahesham3644]

who would dislike jon Stewart? I guess it's O'Reilly and fox news fans!

[@alban020587]

Capture strangers o'reilly is a good friend of Jon actually

[@michaelskibitiansky8773]

Fuck off

[@timewalker6654]

And all those celebrities sitting there

[@johnsreactions6658]

Your ugly Arabic mother that’s who

[@NGTGO]

This was his first time hosting and you can tell he's nervous. When he came back for the 80th he was even better. His material was still great, it just wasn't conveyed as well.

[@JunebugPresents]

Hi Academy. Can you add to this playlist the closing right after best picture in 2006? Please?

[@Jamal-jv8yc]

So many good films that year.

[@jkoranchie]

He's hilarious!

[@teresaf991]

Wow. Can't be!I've this was ten hrs ago.

[@mnasser2149]

Ten hours? you must live in a far away planet.

[@neelabhraroy4238]

M Nasser Mistyped it. Its yrs not hrs

[@JoeRogansForehead]

Wow I can’t believe this comment was 7 years ago

[@georgepetrov5669]

10:15 The Joker was clearly considering murdering him on the spot.

[@ernaherlina8014]

Unfortunately, the two other Jokers were still there and alive, so he wasn't sure so he had to reconsider that

[@Nate-tw4zi]

He slayed that!

[@shaftshaft]

6:38 16 years later that laugh into serious face turned into an attack.

[@MediaLover194]

Did anyone else recognize the opening music from Anastasia?

[@equisde8026]

“I don’t really have a joke here” brilliant…

[@0shadowgrace0]

Everything John says gets better with age.

[@kodyscot9360]

salute to mr movie phone

[@ritafranco3020]

I love everything Jon Stewart does. He’s just so f’ing funny but he keeps it nice. ❤❤❤

[@buryitdeep]

A few dead people in that crowd

[@arshawiir]

What a legend...

[@Hassan_Omer]

where are the full videos of these events ?

[@ggiufa7289]

Year when i was born. Wow

[@antisomething4248]

That was seriously funny ... jolie gets a lot of stick for adopting 😂

[@langdonalger9219]

The Bjork joke is a classic

[@joshgibson9732]

Thank you Oscars for reposting this!!

[@tatayaya]

omg that whistling sound

[@ingloriousbasterd3067]

This was almost 13 years ago yet it only seems like a baker's dozen...my, how time never really changes...take that Einstein!

[@melaniep6964]

Joaquin Phoenix looking fine as ever!❤️❤️ RIP to Heath Ledger and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Wow, what a line up of Best Actor noms that year. Charlize Theron looking so beautiful as always and Jack Nicholson is just super cool.😎

[@Eggs_is_eggs]

The 4th male lead from Death to Smoochy!