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Awards season is almost at its peak with the Oscars less than a week away now.
We have been graced with so many great awards seasons moments, from being able to witness the Brenaissance and Ke Huy Quan in all his glory to Jamie Lee Curtis being Hollywood's greatest hypewoman. Unfortunately, however, all of the memorable moments aren't always great ones.
Case in point?
The derailing of the Independent Spirit Awards, specifically during one of host Hasan Minhaj's bits.
At one point during Saturday night's awards, Minhaj - who hosted the event solo - attempted to create some viral moments to get the broadcast - which only aired on YouTube and IMDb - trending on social media.
His idea was to solicit assistance from the audience, beginning with Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett's Tár table. Minhaj asked Blanchett to make "some unhinged expressions" that would create a memorable "YouTube thumbnail face."
But Blanchett was not game for his shenanigans. The Don't Look Up actress used her hands to block her face as Minhaj continued to approach her. Blanchett began to slide down her chair until she eventually disappeared under the table.
Minhaj quipped:
"Is she coming out the other end?"
After the answer became apparent, Minhaj attempted to solicit the same from Tár's director Todd Field, who followed Blanchett's lead and met her under the table.
You can watch the awkward moment below.
Viewers of the bit chimed in on Twitter, and sadly—but also somewhat lovingly—Minhaj was dubbed the "King of Cringe."
\u201cThis moment from the #SpiritAwards left me in utter shock. I\u2019m still not over it!\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@SamTheParasite I'm almost not sure if it's a bit or not, because Cate seems like such a good sport about even stupid things like this. If not, yikes, Hasan really *is* bombing\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@SamTheParasite He really is the cringe king\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@SamTheParasite I feel like the host just didn't know when or how to end the joke.\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@SamTheParasite @StarcoVision Oh my god.\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@chrissgardner Cringeee\u201d— Chris Gardner (@Chris Gardner) 1677970783
Many also questioned if Blanchett's reaction was scripted or genuine, which would make the bit even more awkward.
\u201c@SamTheParasite If this was real, I'd quit and cry!\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@SamTheParasite Definitely not a bit. They would have made sure the table was cleared and pretty if it was. Marisa Tomei made it look like one though. What is happening to comedians these days?\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
\u201c@chrissgardner unclear if that was also part of the bit\u201d— Chris Gardner (@Chris Gardner) 1677970783
\u201c@SamTheParasite I mean it\u2019s probably scripted but if not why would he think he could get Thee Cate Blanchett to do a bit? She\u2019ll turn down movies if they\u2019re filmed in LA\u201d— Sam Meltzer (@Sam Meltzer) 1677970752
As it turned out, Blanchett and Ford eventually returned to their seats where Minhaj was still waiting, but they were no longer pressured to partake in his schemes.
\u201cHasan Minaj tried to get Cate Blanchett, Todd Field and Marisa Tomei to give reaction shots for YouTube thumbnails but they all declined by jumping under the table. After the bit died, he stuck around until they got back in their seats. #SpiritAwards\u201d— Chris Gardner (@Chris Gardner) 1677970783
Minhaj's full monologue can be watched below. We'd say he was more successful in this bit.
OPENING MONOLOUGE - HASAN MINHAJ - 2023 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDSyoutu.be