Colin Farrell appeared to call out Saturday Night Live at Sunday night’s Oscars.
The Irish actor, 46, was nominated for Best Actor for his turn in the Banshees of Inisherin at the cinematic event which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
During the star-studded proceedings, Farrell was approached by show host Jimmy Kimmel, who asked a “fan question”.
Kimmel said the fan wrote in to say that they loved his performance in the dark comedy, but was unable to understand what his character, Pádraic Súilleabháin, was saying in it.
To which, the Dublin-born star replied: “I’d like him to go on YouTube and check out the SNL skit from last night”.
His comment was in reference to a controversial SNL skit that aired on Saturday.
In the episode’s cold opening, Marcello Hernandez and Heidi Gardner portrayed red carpet reporters interviewing various “celebrities” on the Oscars red carpet.
Mikey Day and Molly Kearny then appeared on screen to imitate Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, speaking in what sounded like gibberish and indescribable babble.
Then Hernandez, who is imitating broadcaster Mario Lopez, said as they walk off: “Wow, and they haven’t even started drinking yet!”
The sketch has since been criticised for being “offensive” and “mean-spirited” in its portrayal of Irish stereotypes and outdated tropes.
Not only that but Farrell has openly spoken about his drug and alcohol addiction and how sobriety helped him regain control of his life.
All the stars are out at the Oscars pic.twitter.com/BHKygkLJPW
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) March 12, 2023
In light of his quip, viewers applauded the Batman actor, who attended the ceremony with his son Henry, for his speedy comeback on social media.
One tweeted: “Colin Farrell being asked a lazy stupid question about banshees and answering it by dissing SNL ??? Literally no choice but to love this man.”
“Fair play Colin Farrell for calling Kimmel out by referencing that appalling SNL skit last night,” another penned.
“Colin Farrell calling out the shite SNL skit was the winning moment for me,” another shared.
The Banshees of Inisherin was nominated for eight awards during Sunday night’s 95th annual Academy Awards – with all its principal stars nominated in acting categories.
However, the film walked away empty handed with Everything Everywhere All At Once sweeping the boards.
The multiverse sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, claimed seven prizes including three acting gongs, best directing and best picture, the biggest of the night.
Michelle Yeoh claimed the Oscar for best leading actress, fending off competition from two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett to become the first woman from an Asian background to win the prize.
