Legendary filmmaker John Waters has shared his thoughts on hosting the Academy Awards whilst on tour with his celebratory show, “Going to Extremes: A John Waters 80th Birthday Celebration.” The 79-year-old director, known for his bold and irreverent film style, recently sat down for an interview with Variety where he expressed a unique vision for the iconic awards ceremony.
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As Waters reflected on his experiences and aspirations, he revealed his desire to host the prestigious event, a role he feels is fitting for someone with his provocative sensibilities. He has previously hosted the Film Independent’s Spirit Awards on several occasions, claiming, “I’d rather be the host.” However, alongside this aspiration, Waters openly confided that one of his lifelong dreams has been to graciously accept an Oscar himself. He quipped, “What gay kid hasn’t done an Oscar acceptance speech?” illustrating the sentimentality he connects to the award.
A noteworthy aspect of Waters’ proposed hosting plan involves reuniting comedians Will Smith and Chris Rock, who were at the centre of one of the Academy Awards’ most controversial moments in 2022. Waters jested that he would have the pair present, saying, “They would come out and the movie Sissy Boy Slap Party would be showing,” referencing an avant-garde film by Guy Maddin. This light-hearted suggestion showcases Waters’ knack for mixing humour with serious cultural moments, a signature element of his style.
During the 94th Academy Awards, Chris Rock took to the stage to make a joke directed at Jada Pinkett Smith, an act that prompted Will Smith to walk up to Rock and infamously slap him. The incident stirred a vast array of discussions about appropriateness in comedy and the boundaries of personal insults during live events. Waters’ proposal to bring them together on stage again speaks to his belief in confronting such moments head-on, albeit with a tinge of humour that he is known for.
Alongside discussions about the Oscars, Waters reflected on various topics, revealing his candid and often provocative opinions. He recounted a memorable encounter with Donald Trump at Studio 54, where he characterised Trump as someone overly preoccupied with his hair and wealth. In the same vein, Waters expressed his desire to meet rapper Eminem, stating, “He never calls,” while illustrating his belief that Eminem is not homophobic. Waters noted that the artist had previously gifted Elton John and his husband David Furnish “golden cock rings” on their wedding day, adding a humorous twist to the conversation.
Waters’ upcoming birthday show is causing quite a buzz as he prepares to celebrate his eighth decade of life on April 22. The multi-city tour promises to be a reflection of his unique career, blending storytelling with elements of performance that have defined his body of work. Recently, he made an appearance in Sarah Sherman’s comedy special, “Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh”, further showcasing his versatility and hunger for new projects, even at this stage in his career.
While Waters continues to march to the beat of his own drum, he remains a reflective figure in the film industry. His willingness to tackle current issues, coupled with a penchant for irreverence, keeps his audience engaged and entertained. As the film world looks ahead to the next Academy Awards, it remains to be seen whether his dream of hosting will come to fruition or if their paths will cross in other innovative avenues.
Through his reflections, Waters has invited a broader conversation about the significance of awards ceremonies in today’s cultural landscape. Whether or not he gets the opportunity to host the Oscars, his influence and contributions to cinema remain undeniably impactful. As he keeps pushing the boundaries of storytelling and performance, audiences can continue to anticipate surprises from this iconic filmmaker.