Listen up, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, we have a recommendation for 2020’s Oscar host.
The 2019 ceremony did not have an official master or mistress of ceremonies after Kevin Hart stepped down in the wake of criticism over previous homophobic remarks he had made.
The result was an Academy Awards that felt slightly disjointed, with notable names instead coming up on stage to present the different categories and nominees for Best Picture.
One such star was Trevor Noah, who had the honor of introducing those in the audience and at home to the first-ever comic book film nominated for the prestigious award, Black Panther.
The Daily Show host revealed that people from around the world constantly come up to him and say “Wakanda Forever” because he comes from Africa — despite the fact that Wakanda is a fictional country.
“Growing up as a young boy in Wakanda, I would see King T’Challa flying over our village, and he would remind me of a great Xhosa phrase, ‘Abelungu abazi ubu ndiyaxoka,’ which means ‘In times like these, we are stronger when we fight together than when we try to fight apart,'” he said.
Noah’s powerful message and use of his native language drew cheers from the audience at the Dolby Theatre, but his South African countrymen giggled on Twitter.
Those with an understanding of Xhosa knew that the comedian had really said, “White people don’t know I’m lying,” with a totally straight face.
Academy, here is your 2020 presenter.
