At the recent Independent Spirit Awards, Aidy Bryant, known for her wit on “SNL” and starring in “Shrill,” took on the challenging role of hosting. However, Aidy and her attempts at a risqué roast didn’t quite land as planned.
Standing on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Bryant kicked off the show with a daring opening monologue. Playfully poking fun at the attendees, she veered into NSFW territory, blurting out unfiltered remarks that left the audience in stitches.
Addressing Natalie Portman, she jokingly exclaimed, “Hey, Natalie, you silly goose,” before quickly backtracking with an apologetic tone. It was clear she was navigating the fine line between humor and offense. Despite her missteps, the crowd couldn’t contain their laughter.
Not stopping there, Bryant aimed her playful jabs at Sterling K. Brown and Charles Melton, weaving between crude humor and genuine admiration. Even when her jokes bordered on the edge of discomfort, her infectious energy kept the atmosphere light.
The peak of Aidy Bryant’s unconventional roast came when she turned her attention to Greta Lee, star of “Past Lives.” With a mix of cheekiness and self-awareness, Bryant threw out a string of faux-insults, drawing chuckles from Lee herself.
Acknowledging her own shortcomings as a roaster, Bryant humorously confessed, “I’m sorry, I’m not a good roaster.” Yet, her sincerity shone through as she reassured the audience that her jests were reserved for those she knew or admired.
While Bryant’s comedic style may have deviated from the norm, it added a refreshing spontaneity to the ceremony. Despite the occasional awkward moment, her willingness to push boundaries kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
As the evening progressed, “Past Lives” emerged victorious, clinching top honors for best feature and best director. Bryant’s daring performance as host may not have been conventional, but it certainly left a lasting impression on the Independent Spirit Awards stage.